Q/A with softball coach Abby Bates

The Rider softball season has hit off this week and head coach Abby Bates is optimistic about the season. This is the first senior group that has been with Bates all four years, and she has high expectations because of their leadership and motivation. The Rider Chronicle sat down with Bates to discuss her feelings about this season and her team. 

Q: What are your expectations for this season? 

A: My expectations would be that we improve each and every game and that towards the end of the year, you really see them thriving because this is their fourth year as varsity starters. 

Q: Who are some key returning players? 

A: We have Kaitlin Johnson, she’s a center fielder, she led the team last year in hitting. We have both of our pitchers back, Kendall Marsh and Piper Chandler. Basically, our whole team is returning back.

Q: How did coming so close to the playoffs last year motivate you this year? 

A: We definitely have a chip on our shoulder this year because of losing to Old High last year and being one game away from making the playoffs. This year, we are really focused and really motivated to get those wins to make sure we qualify. 

Q: What is your main goal? 

A: My main goal this year is that they learn to have fun and each game progresses and not start off strong and veer out at the end. 

Q: What makes this group of seniors special? 

A: This group of seniors, there are seven of them and I call them my babies because they were my first full group through four years. They really have transformed this program over the last four years, and they’re really big on being leaders. 

Q: What are some strengths and weaknesses your team has? 

A: Our strengths would definitely be the experience this year. We’re junior and senior heavy, so they’ve been here a few years doing this. A weakness would be more so our defense, we have a few holes in our infield.