Interim Mesa Community College softball coach gives insight into 2024 team
The Mesa Community College softball team opened conference play on Feb. 27, splitting two games against Glendale Community College and improved to 2-4 overall going into the month of March.
The team, led by interim head coach Raychele Wilson, sit at 1-1 in conference play.
Wilson played on the team from 2016-2017 under then-head coach Grady Moorhead. Moorhead resigned from the position after going 27-30 in 2023.
Wilson also previously played for Benedectine University in Mesa before completing her playing career and coaching at the college.
Catalina Sanchez, a sophomore pitcher voted one of two captains, has started four of the Thunderbirds’ six games.
The team, as currently constructed, will rely heavily on their experienced players like Sanchez, according to Wilson.
“I think our strength honestly, everyone individually is very skillful. I think that’s a strength just because we bring a lot to the table,” said Wilson.
An apparent weakness of the team is roster size, as the team sits at just 15 players, according to Wilson.
“I feel like 25 to 30 to start just because usually it dwindles down, like there’s girls that are ineligible, girls that get hurt. 22, I think for me personally, is a nice number just because we can inter-squad [scrimmage], have extra four pictures and catchers, and that way you can really have a good rotation going on and that way they can compete with each other,” said Wilson
Wilson notes that only 15 players on the team make her communication with the training staff is of high importance.
“Oh the trainers, they work really great with me. Just keeping me updated, the girls work very well,” said Wilson.
The team has only competed in six games so far, but their performance has earned them first in the conference in strikeout rate when hitting at only 11 total.
The coaching style Wilson has adopted is to cultivate a fun environment in order to help cultivate winning.
“I feel like my coaching style is really focusing on the mental side of things. Having that competitive fun atmosphere. I think it really translates into the game. I really try to focus on keeping the positive energy up,” said Wilson.
A positive atmosphere and mental perspective could prove to be vital as the Thunderbirds navigate a season with a thin margin for error when it comes to player availability.
“Hopefully if I’m here next year or at least whoever comes in they have, you know, a full team to be able to do a lot of stuff,” said Wilson.
The Thunderbirds play again at home against Glendale Community College with a double header on Tuesday, March 5 with a game at noon and their second game at 2 p.m.
