A familiar face takes over the Galena Lady Bears softball program this year. Jana Nielsen begins her first season as the head coach at Galena after spending last season as the softball assistant coach. Her optimism is helping this program continue its winning ways.
“Even though this is my first season as a high school head coach, I have been around this game for a very long time as a former player, parent, and coach,” said Nielsen. “Additionally, as a teacher and girls’ assistant basketball coach the last few years at Galena, I’ve been around the returning players and newcomers.
“I am very excited to lead them. Taking over a team that returns some key players from last year as well as newcomers with leadership abilities is a plus. Our goals are not out of reach, but it will take hard work, commitment, and dedication from all involved.”
Galena loses three players from last year’s team, including all-state pitcher Dawnelle Lebow and all-conference catcher Dallas Howard. Lebow, who graduated, was a phenomenal all-state pitcher and it is going to be tough to replace her on the mound. The Lady Bears also lost her battery mate, Howard, to a knee injury. Howard will miss the entire season.
“We have 23 girls out for softball this year and each one will bring a couple of different things to the table,” said Nielsen. “We must fill the pitching and catching positions this year, and whoever is called upon to do so will have some work to do.”
The cupboard is not bare at Galena as they do return 7 starters from last year’s 14-8 team. Returning starters include senior Rachel Harding, who as a middle infielder was named first team all-district. Joining Harding with post season honors were sophomores Megan Caulfield, Infield, second team all-district, and sophomore Jadyn Greene, Utility, all-district honorable nention. A senior, a junior and two sophomores also return as varsity letter winners; senior Sierra Springer (Outfield), junior Alison Stephens (Infield), and sophomores Kenzie Shirkey (Outfield) and Mary Yocum (Infield/Outfield).
Bailey May returns this year to the Galena roster. May, a junior, earned a varsity letter her freshman year but did not play as a sophomore.
Caulfield and May will be in the circle and must trust in the developmental process when it comes to pitching. Caulfield worked on her pitching at summer camps and open fields and will try to make up for the loss of Lebow. May will play many roles this season; she will be asked to catch, pitch and play infield.
There are several new faces this year for the Lady Bears. Upperclassmen Morgan Cunnyngham, a senior, will play the infield while junior Ashlee Greenway will patrol the outfield.
Three others who will who will be fighting for the two other spots in the outfield are sophomore Makayla Inman and freshmen Tatum Johnson and Madison Matthewson.
Last year, Galena’s defense let them down at the district championship game and they will definitely be looking to polish up their infield defense. Harding, who last year played 2nd base, will move back to her more familiar shortstop position so 2nd base will be a spot opened up for grabs.
“We have quickness, muscle, and intelligence, which are key elements to enhancing our offensive skill sets,” said Nielsen. “With 23 athletes out this year, all of the girls are working hard to earn their spot. Offensive abilities will also determine who is in the starting line-up. To be successful, we must develop offensively as well as defensively. The girls are fighting to earn a spot, and competition is key for everyone to get better every day.”
This may be a rebuilding year for Galena but don’t tell them that. They play with grit and determination.
“We will be young overall, but I believe in these kids and want them to believe in each other,” said Nielsen. “I tell them all the time, no matter how much I want them to work to get better, it all starts with them. When we are focused in our practice goals, I couldn’t ask for more from these girls.”
