The 2000-2001 Lady Mariners softball team are fired up about their upcoming season. The nine sophomores and the five freshman build a team of unity. Coach Blackstone has confidence that the team will be prepared for the games ahead.
For the first time ever, Coach Michelle Blackstone organized instructional clinics for the ladies. On January 20, Carrie Wilkes, a former pitcher for Georgia Southern University, helped the pitchers of CGCC to improve their skills. Wilkes gave pitchers new ideas of how to pitch different pitches and drills that would help the girls in developing the new methods. On February 3, Patty Benedict of the Tampa Wahoos gave the Lady Mariners great hitting tips. During her clinic, Benedict emphasized the importance of strength. To do this, she threw basketballs at the girls and let them swing through it as if it were a softball. This drill builds both endurance and strength.
Not only have the girls been working hard towards their athletic goals, but six of the sophomores made the Dean’s List for fall semester: Sara Auten, Katie Blackledge, Mandi Bullard, Amanda Holmes, Carla McClain, and Kristen Seckinger. McClain, with a perfect 4.0, also was named to the President’s List of Scholars.
This year the ladies strongly believe that they are the team to beat in the conference. Although FCCJ might give them a good game, the Mariners believe that they are fully equipped for any team. Their season begins February 17 in Lake City, Florida.
The Lady Mariners are looking forward to getting support from classmates, colleagues, instructors, and friends. Coach Blackstone hopes increased fan support might result in better coverage by the local newspaper. “I wish the Brunswick News would support us more. They should focus on all sports, not just male sports,” she says.