ITG Next spoke with Florida High softball head coach Brittany Gilliam about the Seminoles’ impressive season so far, maintaining success going forward, and more.
Q: This Florida High softball team is obviously having a strong season so far. What are a few takeaways from the group up to this point?
A: This group is fun to be around even outside of softball. I think that makes a big difference when we love each other off the field and we transfer it over to our play. We had a tough offseason with conditioning and drills that have prepared us for the teams we have faced so far. Our hardest practices are our best ones and I try to put them through each scenario and walk them through what we might see.
We all have one obvious goal; if we stay on track mentally and work hard every single day, then I believe my girls can reach the goals they set for themselves and the team.
Q: The duo of Jaysoni Beachum and Madelyn Mayo are having phenomenal seasons, especially offensively. Just how big of an impact have those two had on this group overall?
A: Beachum and Mayo have been electric so far in producing runs across the plate. The best part about it is my entire lineup does a good job at getting on base and those two know their job and what to do when their teammates get on. We work on situational hitting each practice – on moving and scoring runners. They seem to be the spark in our offense and the rest of the team follows their lead.
Q: In addition to those two, who are a few other names that have impressed you with their play so far this season?
A: Carly Allen has impressed me. She is one of our pitchers. She has thrown several shutouts and one-hit and two-hit games so far this year, with those few hits coming late in the game. She has eight of our 13 wins. I think when you have a good hitting team sometimes, the pitchers don’t get all the spotlight. Last year she was recovering from a surgery, so to see her do so well this season is a proud moment for all who have watched her career.
Q: Lastly, what do you believe are a few keys for this Seminoles team to maintain this level of success going forward?
A: Several keys to maintain our success is getting swings on good pitches early in the count for our offense. We have had great success at attacking pitches early.
Another key is for our pitchers to stay focused on each pitch they throw and work on hitting different spots. For us to continue to have success, we need to be defensively sound, staying ready for each ball hit and what out next move is with it.
I think our biggest key is our mental game. I’m a firm believer on mindset and championship mentality. When you get late in the season, it’s hard to stay mentally tough and push through any tired or weak spots you may have. I am excited for us as we move forward in the second half of our season.
