Centurion Spotlight: Softball Head Coach Meagan Finnerty

My core values as a coach are: hard work, dedication, flexibility, teamwork and respect. Without these five aspects of a team, there is a slim to none chance of being successful. Hard work: you need to come to practice or a game and be ready to put in the work to see results. Dedication: it's time consuming, there's going to be times you're tired but that's the time to dig deep and prove to yourself that you are capable of anything you put your mind too. Flexibility: there are times that you are going to be put in a position you do not feel the most comfortable in, whether this be due an injury or any other reason, but that's not time to pout - it's time to show everyone that you are a team player and will make the plays that need to happen. Teamwork: as simply said, "there is not I in team". Softball is a team sport, so you need to be willing to work with others and your team to fulfill the common goals. Respect: treat your coaches and teammates the way you wish to be treated.

My goals for this upcoming season is to rebuild the softball program. Due to the COVID setbacks, we have unfortunately not been able to have a season the past few years - and last year we had to take a step back and become a club sport. However, the pieces are now back in place to build our program back to where it should be. We will work hard to build the foundation of a successful program and a positive culture that makes the girls want to exceed not only for themselves, but in a team setting. I cannot wait to see the Lady Centurions conquer their potential and continue to surpass them!

What I am looking forward the most this season is that we are having our first true season since 2019. My team has some of the most incredibly hard working and dedicated girls that are eager to get back on the field. They truly want the best for this program and have all given me their all while rebuilding and creating deep roots and a successful program. I can't wait for them to get out on the field and show everyone all the work we have been putting in.

My academic expectations for my girls is simple: do the work both off and on the field. Academics is the most important part of being a student athlete; if you are not performing well in the classroom, you will not be eligible to participate in your sport. I expect that all my student athletes maintain a 3.0 or higher.

In my own experience, I like to think of everything as a competition. I always strive to be the best that I can be. With that said, the way I wanted my team and myself to do well on the field, I wanted my classmates and myself to do well in the classroom. Just like practices makes perfect, studying makes the grades happen. Pushing yourself - even when feeling defeated.

My greatest satisfaction so far coaching as Bucks would be seeing how engaged my alumni are - they are always texting me to see when games and/or events are so that they can attend and support the current players. It makes me feel as if I was a good coach and mentor and that they truly enjoyed their time as a softball player here.

To me, a successful season of coaching is seeing growth. There's going to be losses, strikeouts, and errors - however, it is all about putting those moments behind you and not letting it affect the rest of the game or season. Growth can come in many ways, it can be physically or mentally, especially in a sport that is mostly mental.

Any advice I can give a prospective player looking to play for my team, is to be persistent in all aspects of your life. Stay on top of your grades, softball skills and their individual recruitment. These three things are crucial while trying to get recruited - it can be time consuming to stay on top of everything but if you do this, you will see the results in all aspects of your life. Don't be shy - always reach out to a coach, what's the worst thing that can happen?

My favorite sports figure is Bryce Harper and for many reasons. Harper is one of the most talented players within the MLB - he is true to himself and his team and one of the most humble players I have ever watched play. He works hard, but also can make and error or strikeout but it does not phase him - he gets back out there and hit a home run his next at back or make a jaw dropping play. He is the type of player I strive to teach my athletes to be, one of a kind.