As the start of a new high school softball season approaches, we caught up with Coach Terry Bumgardner to get a preview of what to expect from the Penns Valley Area High School team this year. With a strong core of returning players and some promising new additions, the team is poised to compete for championships at the conference, district, and state levels.
When asked about the top returning players from last season, Coach Bumgardner was quick to highlight the talent and experience of Taylor Bumgardner, Elle Dinges, Clara Brooks, Hadley Stover, and Sydney Dalton. Taylor Bumgardner, a senior and IUP commit, brings a hard-throwing right arm to the circle and a big bat to the plate.
Elle Dinges, a junior, is a productive contact hitter with great speed on the base paths. Clara Brooks, a senior, brings a combination of speed and improved hitting to the outfield. Hadley Stover, a junior, is a versatile player who can contribute in various positions, and Sydney Dalton, a sophomore, had a breakout season as the everyday catcher last year.
In terms of new players who will make an immediate impact, Coach Bumgardner highlighted the potential of freshmen Taylor Homan, Caroline Wert, and Olivia Smeltzer. These versatile athletes have impressed in off-season training and are expected to make a big splash for the team this year.
Coach Bumgardner also shared his philosophy on team captains, stating that they do not elect captains. Instead, the coaches lead and establish a culture of selflessness and hard work that is expected from all players. However, the team does have role-modeling expectations from seniors, but Coach Bumgardner believes anyone can lead at any time.
Team chemistry and camaraderie are essential for success in any sport, and Coach Bumgardner plans on implementing this through preseason team-building activities and practice icebreakers. He believes in creating a culture of hard work and selflessness, where players can feel comfortable being themselves and not worry about making mistakes.
When it comes to motivating his players, Coach Bumgardner focuses on the little things and encourages his players to flush out any mistakes and move on. He believes in constantly evaluating and making changes to improve the team's overall performance.
One of the biggest challenges in preparing for this season has been the high expectations set by the team. As Coach Bumgardner says, the team's standard is to win, and this mentality has pushed the team to work harder and be better prepared for tough opponents.
Speaking of opponents, the team's schedule is filled with challenging games, with the Laurel Highlands conference being one of the best in the state. Coach Bumgardner cannot single out one specific opponent, as they have a lot of tests throughout their schedule. He believes that the key to success is getting their rookies in the right positions early on.
When asked about any changes or improvements made to the team's training and conditioning program, Coach Bumgardner emphasized the importance of constantly evaluating and making changes to improve performance. He also mentioned the team's strength in their battery (pitcher and catcher) and their overall experience.
Like any coach, Coach Bumgardner also sees areas for improvement, stating that the team needs to focus on the little things and be more detail-oriented in all aspects of the game. However, he is confident that with the addition of new processes in the offseason, the team will continue to improve and be much more competitive this year.
In terms of his coaching philosophy, Coach Bumgardner believes in focusing on the mental aspect of the game and not putting too much pressure on his players to be perfect. He wants them to be detail-oriented but also able to let loose and play with confidence. He also believes in creating a culture of hard work and selflessness, where everyone is held to the same standard.
In conclusion, the Penns Valley Area High School softball team is in good hands with Coach Terry Bumgardner leading the way. With a strong core of returning players and promising new additions, the team is ready to compete for championships at all levels. Their hard work, selflessness, and attention to detail will undoubtedly pave the way for a successful season. With a challenging schedule ahead, the team will continue to push themselves to their full potential and make their school proud.
 and their overall experience.
Like any coach, Coach Bumgardner also sees areas for improvement, stating that the team needs to focus on the little things and be more detail-oriented in all aspects of the game. However, he is confident that with the addition of new processes in the offseason, the team will continue to improve and be much more competitive this year.
In terms of his coaching philosophy, Coach Bumgardner believes in focusing on the mental aspect of the game and not putting too much pressure on his players to be perfect. He wants them to be detail-oriented but also able to let loose and play with confidence. He also believes in creating a culture of hard work and selflessness, where everyone is held to the same standard.
In conclusion, the Penns Valley Area High School softball team is in good hands with Coach Terry Bumgardner leading the way. With a strong core of returning players and promising new additions, the team is ready to compete for championships at all levels. Their hard work, selflessness, and attention to detail will undoubtedly pave the way for a successful season. With a challenging schedule ahead, the team will continue to push themselves to their full potential and make their school proud.){kind=logo}
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