Shady Side Academy softball starts Havern era

By: HSSN Staff
Friday, April 13, 2018 | 11:00 PM

Dave Havern has taken over as the softball coach at Shady Side Academy and is hoping for some of the same success he experienced as SSA's football coach for 12 years.

“When AD Gene Deal asked me if I would be interested in the position, I realized this could be a great opportunity to further women's athletics at SSA,” Havern said. “I had the great pleasure of playing a small part in the building of our excellent girls prep hockey program and wanted to try to provide the same experience for girls softball. I have a fine group of assistant coaches, and I'm really impressed with our girls' determination and hard work. We're looking forward to meeting the challenge.”

Havern has 15 years experience coaching baseball at the Little League, Colt, Pony and American Legion levels.

“In the past, we have had trouble fielding enough girls to participate,” Havern said. “Last year, we had to double-roster some girls, so they would have to come down from track or lacrosse practice to ensure we had enough for our games. In spite of the roster problems, we finished 5-5 and made our first trip to the playoffs in a while. I thought that was quite a feat considering the low numbers, and it said a lot about our girls' character.”

Things are different this season. There are 16 girls on the roster.

“That's a very encouraging sign. Plus, we are returning a good nucleus from last year's squad,” Havern said. “This year, we don't have any seniors, but we have some excellent leadership and ability in our captains, juniors Kate Hart and Trinity Murphy. Both of them are very good players and have done a fine job leading the young squad through the offseason.”

Other starters returning are Bella Faiello, Cassie Tolmer, Julie Lazzaris and Rose Genstein.

“We also picked up some really promising new girls this season. Molly Skvorak and Sara Burr should step right in to starting roles,” Havern said. “We also have an intriguing athlete in Chayla Edwards. Chayla is one of the finest athletes I have ever encountered at SSA. We're hoping her abundance of natural ability will help her become a contributor.”

Edwards has been recruited to play hockey at Wisconsin.

Hart and Murphy will anchor the pitching.

“Like most high school squads, we could use some more pitching,” Havern said. “Kate and Trinity will do a bunch, but Molly and Cassie are showing some real progress on the mound. I think we might be okay hitting the ball and should be pretty sound defensively in the infield.”

The roster includes 10 freshmen and sophomores.

“While it's great having all our new girls, they're still trying to figure some things out,” Havern said. “We're seeing some genuine hard work and determination on their part, though. I'm just hoping it happens sooner than later.

“I'm really excited about the prospects of the future of SSA softball. It's a challenge for us all, but I believe that our girls will be up to the task.”

Marty Stewart is a freelance writer.

Tags: Shady Side Academy