As the LHS softball team prepared for the season to start, the coaching staff considered new options, and Shawnee Zink, Lewiston alumni and University of Mary softball player, made the cut for the assistant coaching job
Zink played a multitude of positions throughout her high school and college career.
“In high school I was a pitcher and a middle infielder,” Zink said. “In college, however, I left the pitching game and tried outfield for a year, but eventually got stuck at first base for three years.”
In her experience, the team dynamic is what really ties a team together.
“The team dynamic at college was super-organized and well done — all the girls had a common goal, and that was to win championships,” she said. “I think that the girls this year will need to learn to respect the coaches and their teammates, that›s what wins.”
From her experience playing in Lewiston, softball is won by the support, hard work and dedication from the coaches and the other teammates.
She expects that coaching this season will also require hard work and dedication.
“My coaching style is assertive, while still showing them I care,” Zink said. “I want them to fear me so they don’t mess around, but I still want them to be able to talk to me about anything.”
“The dynamic of the team here is very fun, they are just a bunch of girls who want to work hard and have fun,” Zink said.
The Lady Bengals haven’t made it to state for softball since 2008, and Zink hopes to change that.
“I want them to go to state — that’s the whole goal anyway.”
Zink wants to continue coaching for seasons to come. Softball has made an impact on her, she said, and it keeps calling her back. As far as the softball players are concerned, the return of Zink is a huge deal. To the softball players it means a harder work schedule and more focused practice.
“These girls mean a lot to me, they want to learn and they want to have fun, without that you can’t have a steady team,” Zink said.