ITG Next spoke with Merritt Island Christian softball head coach Micah Rockwell about the Cougars’ start to the year, goals for this 2022 team, and more.
Q: This Cougars team has obviously gotten off to a strong start to the season. What are a few takeaways you have had from your team’s play so far?
A: To this point, we have had good production at the plate and there have been some big hits in key situations. Also, Shae Janke has pitched exceptionally well. This team is a mix of veterans and inexperienced players who have worked well together. Also, we have two outstanding assistant coaches in Erik Shea (hitting coach) and Katrina Bialobrzeski (pitching coach), and they have been huge contributors to our early success.
Q: Included in that start are some impressive offensive performances against teams such as First Baptist Christian and Cocoa Beach. As a coach, how important is it for your team to start the year like this at the plate?
A: Having success at the plate early in the season really helps with confidence. For so many of our girls to experience success early is something they can reflect on as we journey through the remainder of the season.
Q: Players such as Kendall Delaney, Shae Janke, and Taylor Britt have especially been impactful towards your team’s success so far. What do each of those three bring to this team, and who are a few other names that could play key roles as the season goes on?
A: Those three players, in addition to Kaity Shea (catcher) and Abbey Lathem (first baseman), provide a solid foundation for our team. With Shea pitching, Kaity catching, Kendall playing shortstop, and Taylor in centerfield, we are very strong up the middle. Each player is experienced and has good knowledge of the game.
Q: What are some goals that this 2022 Cougars team has as the season goes along?
A: Our primary goal is to please God with our effort and attitude every time we take the field. We have also focused on playing the game one pitch at a time. “Next pitch” is our mantra when we succeed or fail. Rather than focusing on winning each game, we have focused on winning each pitch and winning each inning. Lord willing, we will continue to improve throughout the season, and we aim to be playing our best once district tournament time arrives.
