News Summary
Johnston High School’s softball team is ready for a new season with co-head coaches Kendal Clark and Mandy Giles. Both coaches bring impressive backgrounds to foster a supportive team culture, as they look to build on the team’s strong performance from last season. This coaching change comes after the previous head coach transitioned to a new position. With excitement and determination, Clark and Giles are set to lead the team into a promising future in high school softball.
Exciting Coaching Change at Johnston High School Softball!
Johnston, Iowa – The Johnston High School softball team is gearing up for an exciting new season with two fresh faces at the helm! Kendal Clark and Mandy Giles have officially stepped in as the new co-head coaches, and the buzz around the school is palpable.
This coaching transition comes after the previous head coach, Rich Calvert, accepted a prestigious position at Long Island University, making way for these two enthusiastic leaders to take charge. The pair’s journey to the head coaching role was quite the whirlwind, as they were initially slated for different coaching positions. However, their passion for the game and undeniable talent made them perfect fits for one of Iowa’s most prominent high school softball programs.
Meet the Coaches!
Kendal Clark isn’t just any coach; she’s a local success story from Humboldt. With a strong collegiate background, she played two years at the University of Alabama, where she made quite an impact, even pinch-hitting in her final game during a Super Regional. Clark’s love for the game and her personal experiences resonate with the players, as she genuinely relates to their moments of frustration and triumph.
Meanwhile, Mandy Giles brings her own impressive resume to the team. A former college player at Bradley University, she previously led the Des Moines Christian team for four successful seasons. While she initially felt a bit shocked about stepping into the co-head coach role, her excitement quickly shifted into determination to lead and inspire the Johnston players.
Building Connections
What truly sets Clark and Giles apart is their commitment to fostering a supportive atmosphere within the team. They are aware of the pressures that come with high school athletics, so they strive to connect deeply with the players. Both coaches want to create a team culture that emphasizes collaboration, resilience, and enjoyment of the game.
As they gear up for the season ahead, Johnston’s softball team is currently ranked third in Class 5A, boasting an impressive record of 15 wins and just 6 losses. This strong performance has created a sense of excitement and expectation around the team, and the new coaching duo is eager to build on that momentum.
Changes in the Coaching Landscape
His departure marks a significant shift for North Johnston and its soft-ball program, renowned for its tradition and strong community support. It’s worth noting that 14 players under Batten’s guidance went on to pursue their softball dreams at the collegiate level, with seven even competing in NCAA Division I. With Batten stepping down due to family responsibilities, a familiar face has taken over; the board has announced Olivia Gachuz, a North Johnston alumnus, as his successor.
A Bright Future Ahead
As Johnston High School welcomes Clark and Giles into their new roles, the anticipation is building amongst students, fans, and families alike. The voices of encouragement and support are echoing through the halls, as everyone looks forward to a season filled with hard work, victories, and memorable moments on the field. The energy is contagious, and the players are ready to embrace the coaching strategies and experiences of their new leaders.
With fresh leadership at Johnston and a strong tradition at North Johnston, the local softball scene is set for a thrilling time ahead!
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Additional Resources
- KCCI – Johnston Softball
- Wikipedia: High School Softball
- Purple Eagles – Jeff Johnston
- Google Search: Johnston Softball Coaches
- Loyola Ramblers – Brandy Johnston
- Google Scholar: Softball Coaching Strategies
- Shaw Local – Deb Johnston Memorial
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Johnston Softball
- CIL FM – Gerry Glasco WCWS Victory
- Google News: Johnston High School Softball