Forsyth Excited to Coach Hackley Softball

Krystal Forsyth is in her first year of coaching the Hackley varsity softball squad and couldn't be more excited.

One reason why she is especially excited is because she's able to working with Julianna Labella, her assistant coach.

"She is a strong component to the coaching staff as she has been with some of these girls since they were freshman on the varsity team," Forsyth said. "I couldn't have been paired up with a better counterpart. We're working with a great group of girls this year, we couldn't ask for a stronger close-knit team. It is such a pleasure being with them on the field every day."

The Hornets have a great balance of working hard, having fun and getting to know each other. The team has really emphasized the importance of making the season memorable by adding more team bonding and spirit.

"They have set up a psych wall with inspirational quotes, they have secret psyches for game day and they have fun outfit themes to wear to school on game days as well," Forsyth said. "These are the memories they will remember most 10 years down the road."

To help create some positive memories, Forsyth had the team write down some goals they have for themselves and for the team. They were specific to hitting and fielding, and having fun as a group.

"If we can provide the girls the opportunity to feel success with reaching their goals then we as a coaching staff will feel like we have reached our goals," Forsyth said. "We want to go as far as we can with the season and have success on the scoreboard as well. If we can be organized, open, talkative, and dedicated we should have a successful season."

Hackley is coming off a season where it was 9-12 overall a year ago but second in the Ivy League.

Hackley's top returning players are senior first baseman Kathlyn Connolly (all-league honorable mention a year ago), junior middle infielder and pitcher Kat Budlong (all-league), junior center fielder Katie Philpott (all-league honorable mention), junior catcher Caroline Ellis and junior pitcher Krista Lancione (all-league). All five of these girls are solid in the field and at the plate according to Forsyth.

Hackley's top newcomer is freshman middle infielder and outfielder Mary Medure, who has great range in the field and is a good addition to the Hornets, Forsyth said.

Forsyth feels the keys to the Hornet's pitching staff will Budlong and Lancione, who will split the time on the mound.

"Both worked very hard in the off season and will give us a lot on the mound they both have different styles and will give us a nice change," Forsyth said.

As for hitting, three players will play important roles for the Hornets.

"The keys to our hitting will be Caroline Ellis, Kathlyn Connolly and Krista Lancione," Forsyth said. They will be our solid girls up at bat, but our whole lineup is strong in what they do. The keys to our fielding will be staying together and having our girls working with their flexibility in their positions. Playing one pitch and one play at time will help to keep their mental game strong."