Monmouth College softball features youth movement

Release Date: March 2, 2005

MONMOUTH, Ill. – In the 25th anniversary year of the U.S. Olympic hockey team’s upset of the Russians and the ensuing gold medal, the Monmouth College softball team may find inspiration.

Much like the now-heralded hockey squad, the Fighting Scots will begin their season with fresh faces and a roster of unknowns.

Graduation hit the Scots hard with the loss of six seniors who combined for eight all-conference selections. Two key underclassmen – a pitcher and catcher – are also missing for the 2005 campaign. Add to that a roster of only freshmen and sophomores and first-year head coach Kari Shimmin could be thinking about pushing the panic button. Instead, she is focusing on everyday improvement combined with a good work ethic – much like the Herb Brooks-led 1980 squad.

Shimmin has been down this road before. In 1998, She took over a volleyball program that had a 31-60 record over the previous three years and immediately turned in a 21-11 season her first year. Through seven seasons, she has compiled a .621 winning percentage with no season below .500.

Despite an abundance of youth that many coaches would consider a hindrance, Shimmin sees a reason for a positive outlook.

“The women have really taken ownership in the program,” said Shimmin. “They want to leave their mark on the program, so I’m looking forward to having this group together for the next three to four years.

“I’ve been impressed with the women’s work ethic,” she continued. “We’ve had tremendous leadership from our sophomores, which has really helped a very young group bond much earlier than anyone expected.”

While experience will be at a premium – four players have collegiate experience – Shimmin expects the team’s work ethic to more than make up for the lack of experience.

“Being so young has really been a positive,” said Shimmin. “We have at least two quality people competing for each position, making for very competitive practices.”

With so many options, Shimmin may feel like she’s part of the Abbott and Costello routine “Who’s On First?”

A projected opening day lineup could see any combination of sophomores Laura Orwig (Wyoming, Ill./Stark County), Katie Hamilton (Savanna, Ill./HS), Sara Kaufman (Joliet, Ill./Catholic) and Jackie Hennenfent (Wataga, Ill./ROWVA) and freshmen Mickenzie Jones (Beardstown, Ill./HS), Jamie Walker (Brimfield, Ill./Elmwood) and Emily Willems (Moline, Ill./Rockridge).

Emily Bakes (Paw Paw, Ill./HS), Blayre Scott (White Hall, Ill./North Greene) and Walker are slated to handle the early season pitching duties.

Shimmin explains her staff is adjusting to the longer collegiate pitching distance – 43’ compared to the 40’ high school standard. The group is making quick progress and Shimmin expects her hurlers to come out of Florida ready for conference play.

The other half of the battery will get a charge from freshmen catchers Jennifer Hass (Pittsfield, Ill./HS) and Kristin Bickett (Malden, Ill./Princeton).

Offensively, the Scots hope to manufacture runs combining “decent” team speed and good base running with some solid bats.

Speed will be the forte of the outfield with sophomore Stacia Logan (Dallas City, Ill./Nauvoo-Colusa), sophomore transfer Drew Robinson (St. Charles, Ill./North) and freshmen Anna Coutts (Ladd, Ill./Hall) and Katti Jablenski (Des Plaines, Ill./Maine West).

Rounding out the squad will be sophomore pitcher Amanda Villanueva (Moline, Ill./HS) and freshmen April Miller (Altona, Ill./ROWVA), Brittany Koritz (Byron, Ill./HS), Jessica Moore (Joliet, Ill./Minooka), Heather Hammond (Oswego, Ill./HS) and Mariam Turay (Chicago, Ill./St. Scholastica).

“The women have done everything we’ve asked of them and the Huff Athletic Center provides us with an opportunity to run an entire field,” she said. “Even though the weather hasn’t allowed us to get outside, we have made good progress and are ready to begin our season.”

Shimmin credits her coaching staff with much of the team’s positive attitude.

“The staff is really enjoying working with the women. It’s obvious their passion for the game is rubbing off on our young players,” said Shimmin.

The Fighting Scots are hoping to turn the “Miracle on Ice” into their own version of “Miracle on the Diamond” or at least a softball version of “Rudy.”

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