Photo courtesy of Sydnee Horstman.
As the St. Ambrose softball team finishes their fall season, they look ahead to the spring. This year will be Head Coach John Kelly’s third season, and he is expecting it to be the best one yet?
Starting in January 2025, the softball team returns to campus a week earlier to begin two-a-day practices. This consists of practicing in the morning, lifting in the afternoon, and a practice at night. “We are continuing to build our championship team culture,” says Coach Kelly.
In the 2022-23 softball season, the Bee’s went 25-25 and 12-8 in conference. The 2023-24 season was 19-27 and 8-8 in conference. “I believe we will compete for a CCAC conference championship this coming season, along with St. Xavier and St. Francis. I’d like to see us win 32-35 games in 2025 (32-18)!”
Along with Coach Kelly’s vision for the future, the team also wants to accomplish a conference title. Senior first baseman Brooke Baker says, “ I hope we have a .500 record and that my teammates and I succeed on the field, striving for that conference championship!” Senior pitcher Cara Linnenkamp adds, “I am hoping we make it into the conference tournament. I really want my last season to be fun and positive.”
For the 2024-25 season, 30 women fill the roster who are mainly underclassmen. When having a large team and no junior-varsity games, many players will participate in different roles that may not include playing time.
“Most will play important roles, either off the bench to run or hit – or in spot starts. I expect a few of them to emerge and push their older teammates,” says Coach Kelly
Sophomore, third baseman Bianca Erickson says, “This year I expect to take on a more supportive role as a teammate. Supporting each other builds a more positive environment where we can all trust and rely on each other, knowing we all have one another’s back which then translates to success on the field.”
Along with the many underclassmen, the softball team has a handful of experienced upperclassmen who plan on making a big impact this season. “I expect and hope for my hard work to show through on the field,” says Baker.
“They (the seniors) can lead by example and help their younger teammates to become more resilient in the face of failure,” says Coach Kelly.
When underclassmen look up to their seniors it shows the culture and what type of team they can be. “All of our seniors are amazing examples of the type of leader I want to be. My goal is to soak up all the knowledge from them and be the best leader when it is my turn,” says sophomore catcher and first baseman Eleanor Flores.
While the players are pursuing different roles, Coach Kelly is also transitioning into a new role. “I’m calling pitches this season, so I’m excited to be more hands on with our pitchers during the games! I expect our pitchers to dominate.”
Along with new roles, the team is seeing a new addition to the coaching staff. Graduate assistant, Erica Thulen, a recent graduate and student-athlete from the University of Kentucky. Erica is excited to “see the team grow in confidence, teamwork, and execution. We have great team leadership and I’m excited to see how it transcends on the field.”
Coming from a Division 1 NCAA school, Erica brings her own knowledge and experience to the team. “I know the pressure involved in college softball and I want to relieve some of this pressure so players can play their best. I want to help players enhance the skills they already have, increase in game IQ, and foster a culture of accountability and respect.”
From playing to coaching, it can be difficult for some athletes, but Erica is willing to take on the challenge. “The biggest change from playing to coaching has been shifting from focusing on my individual performance to thinking about the team as a whole. I need to consider every player’s development, support their growth, and create a plan that maximizes our collective strengths.”
Erica provides a different vision and has been a great addition for the team. “It’s a rewarding challenge to guide others, but it’s different from the personal responsibility I had as a player.”
The softball team starts their season with a double header on February 1st at 12 pm against Hawkeye Community College at the St. Ambrose Dome.
Madelynn Reed is a staff writer for The Buzz.
