As the new softball season approaches, excitement is building for the Land O' Lakes High School team. With a strong core of returning players and talented newcomers, the team is ready to take on any challenges that come their way. We had the opportunity to speak with Coach Mitch Wilkins to get a preview of the team's upcoming season.
One of the key strengths of the team this year is their strong defense. Coach Wilkins emphasizes the importance of effort and scrappiness on offense but ultimately believes that a strong defense is the key to success. This mentality is instilled in the team every year and has proven to be a winning formula.
The top returning players from last season are Jaila Mitchell, Leiya Rojas, Taliah Murria, and Miyah Davis. Mitchell and Rojas are both seniors and have committed to play at the collegiate level, with Mitchell committed to Memphis and Rojas committed to Bethune Cookman. Murria, a sophomore, and Davis, a junior, are expected to make an immediate impact on the team's pitching rotation. However, the team did lose senior catcher Makenna Bellaire, who graduated early to enroll and play at the University of Florida.
When it comes to selecting team captains, Coach Wilkins looks for players who possess certain qualities. Diana Anda, a senior utility and pitcher, stood out to him as a strong candidate for captain due to her solid bat and ability to lead the team. As for other players who may be battling for a captain role, Coach Wilkins believes that the team chemistry will ultimately determine who takes on that responsibility.
Motivating players to reach their full potential is an important aspect of coaching, and Coach Wilkins believes that it ultimately comes from within. The players who have that self-motivation will excel, while the ones who need a push may not reach their full potential. The coaches provide guidance and support, but it is ultimately up to the players to put in the effort and improve.
The biggest challenge in preparing for this season has been convincing the players that they can win without one key player. This mindset can be difficult to overcome, but Coach Wilkins is confident in the team's abilities and is working on building their confidence and belief in themselves.
The team's schedule for the season is no easy feat, as they typically have one of the toughest schedules in the state. Coach Wilkins believes that this tough competition will only help the team grow and improve throughout the season. While there may be tough opponents, he is looking forward to every game and believes that the team will be able to rise to the challenge.
In terms of coaching style, Coach Wilkins believes in staying calm and never getting too high or too low. He also takes into account the individual needs of each player while also emphasizing the importance of playing as a team. He believes that this approach helps the players feel valued and motivated to perform at their best.
The mental aspect of the game is also a crucial factor for the team. Coach Wilkins has a degree in psychology and uses different techniques to keep the players focused and motivated. This mental training plays a key role in the team's success on the field.
When it comes to the team's training and conditioning program, Coach Wilkins believes in constantly making changes and improvements. This could include incorporating new drills or techniques, as well as finding ways to keep the players engaged and motivated.
As with any team, there are strengths and weaknesses. Coach Wilkins believes that the team's strengths lie in their strong defense and the potential of their pitching rotation. However, he also acknowledges that there is always room for improvement and plans to work on any weaknesses that may arise throughout the season.
Overall, Coach Wilkins' coaching philosophy is to focus on the present and work towards continuous improvement. He believes in taking each game one at a time and peaking at the right time. With a strong core of players and a dedicated coaching staff, the Land O' Lakes High School softball team is ready to take on the challenges of the upcoming season and make it their best one yet.
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