An Interview with Head Softball Coach Wally Warner

Q: What can you tell us about this year's team? Over the off-season I have met a few of the new faces on your roster and they appear all-in. There seems to be an excitement in the air with good expectations going into the season.

The team is bonding very well. First week of practice went better than expected. The beginning of the season is an exciting time of year.

Q: How many years have you led this team? What are some of the intangibles you have learned with experience to help lead a team? Your teams are always full of life. Can you share some of your insights as to why?

Ten years. It all comes down to: to expect respect you must give it first. Talking with the young ladies is so important. Don't break them down. See where they need help and work with them on that. Let them know you believe in them, and then they will start believing in themselves.

Q: Goals are paramount to guiding a team. What do you have your sights set on with this group?

Our first goal is to be an Academic All-American team. Then, never give up. Then, win the conference.

Q: Pitching is a fascinating part of softball. Who do you have on staff this year and is there anything you can share about this group?

We have three pitchers. Eryn McCarthy is our lone returning pitcher. We added lefty Emma Halverson, and Shawnna Hann. They really look good currently. They truly will keep us in games.

Q: Recruiting is a big part of coaching. Can you help us get to know some of your new players and what you see them bringing to this team?

Ella Jakowitch, Mia Cervantes, Ella Clements, Lyndsay Regnier (transfer from Rock Valley), Zoe Dudek, and Natalie Lucius – all of them will be players to be excited about. We lost a very good player sadly to injury, Stephanie Lesniewski, she will now red-shirt this year.

Q: Are there any new additions to your coaching staff? You often have former players eagerly fill these positions. Can you talk about your staff a bit going into 2025?

My assistant is Kelli Warren – back for her second year. Kelli played for us for three years due to covid. She was an All-Conference player. She relates to the young ladies very well. My hope is that Kelli will take over for me when I leave coaching.

Q: Who are some of your returning players that are pivotal to having a successful season?

Kaitlyn Wysong is our Captain. I am looking for her to play great and become an All-Conference player. Molly Cook will be a strong bat again for us this year. Kylie Kemp is a very good returning outfielder and should be a strong hitter. Khyleen Price will be a good utility player for us as well.