Warrior softball season begins with a new coach at the helm

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Members of the Central softball team include (front, left to right) Gracie Kennicker, Tenley Bormann, Payton Stannard, Kendall Wagner, Oakley Armstrong, Crystal Goodrich, Mylee Mueller; (back) head coach Abby Cummer, Layla Embretson, Makenzie Thorson, Blair Scherf, Ashlyn Scherf, Ayden Schutte, Reese Berns and assistant coach Kiersten Tenge. (Photo courtesy of Jarod Bormann)

By Willis Patenaude, Times-Register

 

There is a new voice in the dugout this year for Central softball, as coach Abby Cummer guides the way for a young team in her inaugural season, which got underway last week.

 

As Cummer navigates what will be a season of learning, some curveballs have already been thrown her way, as the opening game versus Central City on May 21 was postponed due to a storm. But for all the newness, being in the dugout and on or around the softball field is a familiar place for Cummer. She started playing the sport in elementary school and was still playing for the Warriors as recently as 2021, wearing #18 and playing first and second base, alongside some of the same players she is now coaching.

 

“Personally, I just really enjoy and love the sport. Along with that, I’ll be able to coach my sister [Gracie Kennicker], who is a senior this year, which is pretty special,” Cummer said.

 

Cummer’s sister, as well as her mother, actually encouraged her to get a coaching certificate and apply. The decision was made easier given the fact Cummer has “always loved softball and the atmosphere.”

 

No stranger to what it takes to be successful on the field, after she was hired in February, Cummer scheduled multiple open gyms throughout February, March and April to allow players to work on pitching, catching, fielding and hitting.

 

This focus on the fundamentals was inspired by one of Cummer’s coaching role models, Central girls basketball coach and former softball coach Mark Wiley, who Cummer believes has a “great approach to sports” because it focuses on fundamentals as well as creating goals, building relationships and positivity. Those aspects not only encompass Cummer’s coaching philosophy, they’re some of her season goals and expectations, as are having fun, positive attitudes, hard work and growing as players and people throughout the season.

 

“My overall goals this season are to have fun, be positive and make progress every game and practice. If my players give me 100 percent every day, I will be satisfied,” Cummer said.

 

In achieving those goals, Cummer will look to a young and small team that has just 13 players, giving Cummer concern about the impact of potential injuries.

 

It’s a team that returns three upperclassmen, who Cummer believes will “help lead the team and be good role models.” Among this group are seniors Ashlyn Scherf, who will be stationed in the outfield, and Kennicker, who serves as catcher and spends time in the infield. Junior Reese Berns also plays the outfield.

 

The team return four underclassmen, sophomores Oakley Armstrong and Ayden Schutte and freshmen Audrey Palas and Crystal Goodrich. Joining them will be six eight graders: Blair Scherf, Tenley Bormann, Kendall Wagner, Makenzie Thorson, Payton Stannard and Mylee Mueller.

 

Though it is a young team, Cummer pointed to several strengths to build on, like communication, which she preaches the importance of on and off the field. The team also possesses speed, which Cummer wants to utilize on the bases. Then there is versatility, which is being cultivated through having every player working on and being capable of playing every position on the field.  

 

“I have all my girls work on infield and outfield fundamentals, and I think that most of my players would be successful in multiple positions. Every one of my athletes will be valued and be a great asset to the team,” Cummer said.

 

The Warriors lost their first game May 23, against the Starmont Stars, 12-1. 

 

The Warriors will be back in action Saturday, June 1, for a tournament at Central, and will be on the road against Waukon on June 3.

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