Spring Break
New softball coach creates new team philosophy for URI
Brandon Gearing
Issue date: 2/12/09 Section: Sports
02/12/09 - In a year of rebuilding University of Rhode Island women's softball team, new head coach Erin Layton is hoping to instill a new team philosophy: hard work.
While Rhody had a 14-38 record last season, Layton said both she and her team are very optimistic for the upcoming season.
"I think we have a very good nucleus of returning players and a strong group of newcomers," Layton said. "I expect us to work hard in practice every day and control the things that we can."
The Rams return four seniors, including outfielder Stefani Poedubicky who started every game for Rhody last season. The other three seniors are first baseman Alyse Fram, third baseman Rachel Rosenwasser and pitcher Odalys Torres. Fram appeared in 26 games last season while Torres and Rosenwasser played in 12 and eight respectively.
Other key returnees are juniors Leah DiBussolo, Melissa Wilson, Jackie Kampmeier and Darci Borden along with sophomores Stacey Stanovich and Amanda Sbei.
Layton made it clear, however, that class standing and team history is not as important to her as hard work when it comes to who is going to start.
"Right now our lineup is up in the air, and I think you will find it still that way in May," she said. "We will play the girls who hustle and those who approach each opportunity to succeed."
Last year's starters will receive some stiff competition from 10 incoming freshmen who hope to make their mark for the Rhode Island program.
The class includes pitcher Alison Hartzell who has two perfect games and four no-hitters already on her high school resume.
A handful have also either participated in or won state championships with their former high schools.
"The team has set a goal of qualifying for the Atlantic 10 tournament and I think that's important," Layton said. "They want to win."
As of right now, Layton's goal for the team is a bit different. She said she plans to push for in-class excellence by holding a player's academic standing in high regard.
Layton said she also plans to create a different kind of leadership structure for the team other than a run-of-the-mill one with two seniors running the show. Each class will have two representatives serving as "captains."
"It will help to develop our leadership," she said.
Playing in the A-10 will prove to be a challenge for the Rams this year as they are pegged to finish at the bottom of the conference rankings.
The University of Massachusetts, led by three-time All-American hurler Brandice Balschmiter, sits alone at the top after going 20-0 in conference play last season.
Rhody will open its season at the University of South Florida Invitational Tournament where they will square off with the University of Albany, the University of South Florida, Jackson State University and Florida A&M University. The tournament begins Feb. 20 in Tampa, Fla.
While Rhody had a 14-38 record last season, Layton said both she and her team are very optimistic for the upcoming season.
"I think we have a very good nucleus of returning players and a strong group of newcomers," Layton said. "I expect us to work hard in practice every day and control the things that we can."
The Rams return four seniors, including outfielder Stefani Poedubicky who started every game for Rhody last season. The other three seniors are first baseman Alyse Fram, third baseman Rachel Rosenwasser and pitcher Odalys Torres. Fram appeared in 26 games last season while Torres and Rosenwasser played in 12 and eight respectively.
Other key returnees are juniors Leah DiBussolo, Melissa Wilson, Jackie Kampmeier and Darci Borden along with sophomores Stacey Stanovich and Amanda Sbei.
Layton made it clear, however, that class standing and team history is not as important to her as hard work when it comes to who is going to start.
"Right now our lineup is up in the air, and I think you will find it still that way in May," she said. "We will play the girls who hustle and those who approach each opportunity to succeed."
Last year's starters will receive some stiff competition from 10 incoming freshmen who hope to make their mark for the Rhode Island program.
The class includes pitcher Alison Hartzell who has two perfect games and four no-hitters already on her high school resume.
A handful have also either participated in or won state championships with their former high schools.
"The team has set a goal of qualifying for the Atlantic 10 tournament and I think that's important," Layton said. "They want to win."
As of right now, Layton's goal for the team is a bit different. She said she plans to push for in-class excellence by holding a player's academic standing in high regard.
Layton said she also plans to create a different kind of leadership structure for the team other than a run-of-the-mill one with two seniors running the show. Each class will have two representatives serving as "captains."
"It will help to develop our leadership," she said.
Playing in the A-10 will prove to be a challenge for the Rams this year as they are pegged to finish at the bottom of the conference rankings.
The University of Massachusetts, led by three-time All-American hurler Brandice Balschmiter, sits alone at the top after going 20-0 in conference play last season.
Rhody will open its season at the University of South Florida Invitational Tournament where they will square off with the University of Albany, the University of South Florida, Jackson State University and Florida A&M University. The tournament begins Feb. 20 in Tampa, Fla.
