2008season - UMKC Athletics

2008preview
4
With just five players returning from
last year’s squad it should be clear that
the 2008 outlook for UMKC’s softball program
can’t fairly be based on last year’s
results. The story for the 2008 squad is
one of additions.
It will certainly be hard to miss five extra
healthy bodies during the games, the
biggest addition for this year’s team is
a coaching staff that has tripled in size.
Head coach Meredith Smith adds two assistant
coaches - Jamie Beucke and Shae
Crowley - this season, as well as a volunteer
assistant and a student manager.
All four new members of her staff bring
considerable softball experience to the
program. With the added staff, Smith is
better equipped to work with her players
as she begins the rebuilding process.
The rebuilding process begins with the
pitchers. Although three players from last
year’s pitching staff return to the squad
for 2008, Samantha Hurst is the only one
slated to be a part of the pitching rotation.
“Last year we were forced to do some
things that we wouldn’t have normally
done,” said Smith. “As we struggled with
injuries, we had to ask some players to
fill roles they weren’t ideally suited for.
Credit to Alicia Baker and Carli Slagle, but
it was unfair to them to be put in that situation.”
For 2008, UMKC adds three new pitchers:
freshman Taya Upkes and sophomores
Ashton Kistler and Nicholle Ellis.
“We’ve added three new pitchers this
season,” said Smith. “Taya has continued
to work hard throughout the fall and has
gotten better. We haven’t had a chance
to see much of Nicholle and Ashton, but
what we have seen has been impressive.
They have all worked hard and have the
right attitude to make an impact with our
team.”
As the sole returning member of last
year’s pitching staff, Hurst will be relied
upon to be a key player for the Kangaroo
staff.
“Sam’s a leader both on and off the
field for us,” remarked Smith. “Since
she’s been here for a year and has an understanding
of our expectations, our new
additions look to her to set an example
in practice and in workouts. On the field,
she is the key to our pitching staff, as she
provides a good contrast that keeps batters
guessing.”
In the infield, UMKC will take advantage
of Baker’s solid leadership presence.
Elected team captain, Baker also made
the transition this season to first base,
playing the corner for the first time in her
softball career.
“Alicia is someone that our team looks
up to,” said Smith. “While we had our eye
on her, the team chose her as a captain.
With four of the five slots in the infield
potentially filled by freshman, her leadership
will be important this year.”
Catching UMKC’s improved pitching
staff will fall primarily on the shoulders
of Lauren Rodrigues. Projected to always
see time with battery-mate Upkes, Rodrigues
is making a quick transition to the
Division I game.
“Lauren has the best bat speed on this
team and will likely do some damage at
the plate, but she’s still learning how to
run the game from behind the plate,” said
Smith. “I see a lot of potential for her, and
partnering her with Taya should bring out
the best in both of them.”
Backing up Rodrigues at catcher will be
third baseman Megan Ussary.
“Megan has the best swing I’ve ever
seen,” remarks Smith. “I’ve seen a lot of
good players and can honestly say hers is
the best swing I’ve seen. I haven’t even
tried to tinker with it.”
A trio of utility players provide flexibility
for Smith, with Julie Hartung and Lauren
Cross both showing the arm strength to
be comfortable in the outfield and the
quickness and range to be good in the
interior. Hartung will also be looked upon
to provide protection for the big hitters in
the Kangaroo lineup. Rounding out the
As the sole returning member of the 2007 UMKC pitching
staff, Samantha Hurst will take on more of a leadership
role this season.