ITG Next spoke with Lakewood Ranch softball head coach TJ Goelz about the Mustangs’ success in previous years, potential challenges entering a season No. 1, and names to watch for this season.
Q: This Mustangs program has obviously been one of the top softball teams in the state, as well as the country, the past couple of years. Is there any pressure going into a season knowing that you are No. 1, and how do you keep your team focused, as well as for them to not chase/compare themselves to what previous teams have done?
A: We have a real simple focus around here and that is: Get Better. We work every day to get better in every aspect of the program. So last year is really old news that we are proud of, but we aren’t trying to be last year’s team – we are trying to win another state championship. We have told the players to embrace the expectations, be thankful that you are relevant, but also knowing we are just trying to win the last game of the season – however we get there.
Q: Speaking of success, your team is coming off a 7A state championship a year ago. Is there anything in particular that you conveyed to your team entering this season, and what do you believe are some keys to repeat in 2022?
A: We addressed the “elephants in the room” immediately. Told them living on old news ends seasons early. That we have to be hungry and better this May than we were last May. We go deep offensively so we will score some runs. If we keep our pitching healthy and play good defense, we have a good chance to be very successful again.
Q: This 2022 Lakewood Ranch team returned a notable amount of experience and production from last season. While it is still early in the year, how do you feel that returning experience has benefitted your team so far, and what are a few takeaways you have from your team’s start so far?
A: We have told our players that one of our advantages is our experience. Eight of nine starting hitters from our powerful playoff run are back. There are kids nipping at their heels to fight their way into the lineup. They all know they have to compete with all they have, or we will go to the next player. That makes it easy. We have had over 15 hits in four of the five games. I’d like to see more shutouts because we have scheduled quite a few teams that have state championship level pitching, and we could and probably will slow down some.
Q: One key returning name from last season is junior Cassidy McLellan who hit .542 a year ago with 42 RBI’s, and is already off to a strong start in 2022. Can you talk a little about what makes her such a talented hitter, and who are some other names that could play a big role for your team this season?
A: Cassidy McLellan is an offensive juggernaut. She can hit home runs, slap her way on, steal bases and just overall sets the tone for us. I have told her to just trust her work ethic, which is excellent, and she will continue to be a special player. Kelsey Vogel, senior 2B, is a four-year starter at that position and knows what it takes to get to states (she has been there every year of her career). She is a high average, mature hitter who will protect Cassidy and drive her in. Sydney McCray and Grace Hogie are also both four-year varsity players at this program (which is very difficult to do) and they have tremendous speed and will put tons of pressure on our opponents. Lastly, sophomore Ella Dodge has the makeup to be a very good pitcher for us and a two-way threat as a hitter. I look forward to her winning some big games for us.
