By Pat Dailey For OzarkSportsZone.com
If pitching and defense dictate Monett’s fate, first-year Lady Cubs coach Claire Head will like her team’s chances.
“Our defense should be strong in almost every position,” Head said. “We have a lot of girls who can play multiple positions.”
That group includes Monett’s two seniors, Allyson Inman and Kailyn Cendroski, along with returnees Kaehler Swearingen, Halle Schoen, Jenna Herald, Natalie Rivera, Maddie Metlach, Allyson Inman, Kaehler Swearingen and Riley Poole.
“Allyson is an outfielder and Kailyn an infielder, so we will have leaders in both areas, which I am looking forward to seeing,” Head said. “Our outfield has incredible speed and is a lot of fun to watch. Maddie, Allyson, Kaehler and Riley can cover a lot of ground.”
Metlach received All-Big Eight honorable mention recognition last year.
Head is also confident in her team’s pitching. Monett figures to have depth in the center circle, with freshman Kilee Wilson expected to make an immediate impact.
“Pitching is looking solid,” Head said. “Kilee will be a tremendous help. We also have Kendra Parson and Jenna Herald returning. (They) will have the experience needed.”
Monett’s bats are a work in progress. The Lady Cubs averaged 4.5 runs a game while going 5-19 last season.
“Offensively, we have seen improvement throughout the summer,” Head said. “There are a few things specifically that we need to get better on. But I am excited to see what they will do this fall based on what we saw this summer.”
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Head is originally from Wayne City, Illinois, and played college ball at Southwest Baptist and Southern Illinois. She helped the Salukis reach the Women’s College Series her junior year.
This is her first head coaching job at the high school level, after she previously coached middle school at Stockton.
Head relates her motivation to pursue a coaching career stemmed from the coaches who taught her.
“I’ve been very blessed over the years to have had such amazing coaches and now mentors,” she said. “Many of them changed the game for me. I wanted to be able to share the knowledge, life lessons, and love of the game that they did for me.”
Head reports she has been pleased with the cooperation she has received while making the move to Monett.
“(Being) a first-year teacher and coach can present many challenges,” she said. “Administration has been very supportive and helpful throughout the process. This summer we had open fields, a camp, league and a team camp. We hosted the league this summer and I felt very supported by the city, school, and parents. Through this short summer we have spent together, the girls have responded well and made the adjustments that I have asked.”
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Head’s hopes are to enjoy success right off the bat. She thinks Monett can emerge as a contender.
“My expectation is that we compete in every game, with the goal of winning a district championship,” she said. “We have to know we have a chance to win. With my expectations being high, my hope is that they rise to the occasion.”
