Lockwood softball has a new head coach in Bobbi Abbiatti this season.
“I love the game of softball and everything that comes with it. I love the opportunity to try and grow the softball program. I have two young daughters just starting to get involved in the game of softball. It is exciting to see them want to learn the game of softball. So having the opportunity to teach young players the game of softball is a great feeling,” Abbiatti said.
Abbiatti will have a strong group of seniors in Hope Dunagan, Payton Moss, Abriel Vaughn, Heather Byrnes, and Lillian Eggerman to lead the team this year.
Those seniors will have to adjust to Abbiatti’s expectations.
“Taking over a new program means as a coach you’re able to put in place your expectations in the program and the players. I have a high expectation for my players. I expect hard work in the classroom. I not only expect them to leave everything on the field after a game and practice, but I also expect each player to represent our softball program and school in a respectful manner,” Abbiatti said.
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Lockwood will be a little short on numbers this year with around 12 players expected out, but there is help on the way with the junior high getting a team this year.
“Our numbers this year are not what I would like to see. As a coach you love to see as much participation as possible. We currently have 12 high school players dressing out this season,” Abbiatti said. “This is also our first year for junior high softball. We are really excited to be able to start developing our program at a younger age. Our school also gives our athletes in the spring to be able to participate in both softball and track. As of right now we have two athletes that are going to participate in both.”
Lockwood will play in the new Southwest Conference this year as the smallest school in the conference in terms of enrollment.
“Being the smallest school in the conference gives us a challenge and gives us the opportunity to prepare us for a tough postseason. There is no opportunity to improve your game if you are not pushed and challenged,” Abbiatti said.
Lockwood opens the season on Mar. 25 at home against Hume.
