Softball in rebuilding mode for 2011
Tuesday, Nov. 30 marked the start of Santa Monica College women's softball tryouts. Although the team has a less than stellar reputation, this season, change has come. With new head coach Char Wilson and a core group of dedicated girls, SMC women's softball is shaping up quite nicely. For starters, the team's foundation will be strengthened. Wilson plans on first emphasizing the basics. "A lot of these girls need to learn softball 101. But they're a nice workable group of girls, so we'll be good," says Wilson.
Since this is Wilson's first season as SMC's head coach, everyone including returning players must tryout. Returning player Alyson Herman serves as the team's pitcher and has been playing softball since age 4. With Wilson at the helm she feels the team will "honestly be a lot better." "We're more organized. Girls are stepping up and are committed. I feel confident with Char," says Herman.
For shortstop Rosie Magalln, this is her second and final year on the team. "This season is looking really positive. I'm looking forward to winning more games," says Magalln.
In order to improve the team's chance at winning, Wilson is carefully selecting her players. To succeed in the SMC women's softball tryouts, Wilson feels one must be dedicated and disciplined. Prior softball experience is not necessary but preferred, and according to Wilson, the main component is "hard work."
She described the previous tryouts as "scarce" and emphasized how crucial it is that they recruit more girls. Upon hearing the coach's sentiments, various girls chimed in on the need to publicize the tryouts. One girl even approached a passerby mid-tryout in an on the spot recruit attempt.
"We desperately need 3 or 4 more girls," said Wilson.
To facilitate this need, tryouts will be extended through Tuesday, December 7th as well as on Thursday, Dec. 9, from 3 to 4 p.m.
With new coaching, dedicated players and a lot of hard work, SMC women's softball team is determined to make this their best season yet!
If you would like to tryout but cannot make the above dates, call Char Wilson at (310) 434-4564 to schedule a private tryout.