2011 ISU Softball Schedule
On the first Monday of each month, softball coach Julie Wright will provide insight into her program in a blog called, "Wright or Wrong: Inside the Mind of a Coach."
I just completed my first semester as Idaho State's new head softball coach. This is the first breath I have taken in four months. As we all approach the holidays, I thought this might be the best opportunity I would have to begin sharing the ins and outs of a Division 1 athletics program. The success of a program has just as much to do with its fit within the community, its connection as a family, and the support of its fellow programs, Athletics Department, University and most importantly its fans and alums as it does with its wins and losses. Over the next few months my hope is to share US with YOU. And so, this is how the story begins…
My assistant, Jessica, and I have done what any coaching staff must do when taking over a program – work tirelessly to change the culture. You see, the culture is the most important part of a program to establish, but it can also take the longest to achieve. It is the basis from which you teach everything. Everything runs smoother when the culture is where a coach wants it to be.
The culture of a program encompasses everyone the program comes in contact with from the Athletics Director to the team manager, the trainer, the strength coach, the support staff – everyone. My job is to get all of us on the same page within the parameters of the program's culture, the “culture” I want to create, the “culture” I believe in.
So maybe you are wondering how the change in culture is going with our team? I would say most days are like the weather in Pocatello – dry and sunny. We have had our share of fair to partly cloudy days and yes, even a few torrential downpours. But it is in those moments you learn the most about your team; the HEART of your team. And, before you ask, yes, my team has a STRONG heartbeat. Don't get me wrong, we have had our share of 5:00 AM punishment runs, gut checks, long conversations about doing the right thing and raising our expectations of ourselves and each other. On the flip side, however, we have also had our share of successes. We have become a stronger, more focused unit. We have grown closer as people and therefore have developed a much stronger bond as a team. The team would probably tell you this is due to all of the 300 yard shuttles we have run, but deep down I know they realize the mountains they have climbed – each one bigger and more challenging than the last.
As I mentioned, the success of a program is not entirely about a culture change, but also about the connection the program has to the community, its fans, and alumni. People ask me all the time why I took this job and my response has consistently been, “Because of the people.” The community of Pocatello is a rare find in college athletics. It is a community that supports all sports, more so because of the connection to individual student-athletes and their coaches. Believe me, I know they want to support winners, but they seem loyal even in a program's hard times. Like I stated before, that is a rare find in college athletics.
Our program is the youngest sport at Idaho State. We played from 1976-1983 and in 1979 went 25-9 overall winning the Intermountain Conference championship (the only championship in program history). At that time, we were led by 2010 Hall of Fame inductee, Chris Shoemaker and head coach, Ellen Margolis. We returned just five years ago and have had some turbulent years, but now hope to be working our way back toward consistent success. Over the last five years, we have had only one constant - her name is Kandis Clesson. Many of you, I am sure, recognize the name. She is No. 1in a season for most wins, most strikeouts, most complete games, and most starts. She has been the mainstay of the program since it was brought back. This year she has returned for her fifth year as a captain determined to leave this program better than she found it, better than she has lived it. Kandis and I have had several conversations about those who have left the program for a number of different reasons. It is at this time that I appeal to all of you to return to us, to support us, believe in us, and become a part of the program again. This appeal goes out to all of our alumni from our first debut to our second. We will only be stronger with you.
To our community, our fans, our alumni, and all of our supporters – I wish you a very Merry Christmas and a safe and happy New Year.
- Julie
2011 Idaho State Softball Roster
1 Jennifer Martensen IF
2 Ashley Moeller IF
4 Brittany Olsin OF/C
5 Jessica Baca IF
6 Erin Olander IF/OF
9 Katee Wiley IF
12 Katie Rooks OF
13 Brook Ferro C/UT
15 Christina Rayner P
17 Courtney Darby IF/P
18 Terah Blackwell C
19 Kandis Clesson P
22 Courtney Hancock IF/UT
23 Courtney Dial OF
32 Desirae Hoffman OF
