Michelle Burrell has entered her second season as the head coach of the Binghamton University softball team. The squad is coming off a remarkable bounce-back season in which it posted a 24-19 record. The 2010 campaign consisted of members of the team setting seven Division I team records and six women receiving conference athletic honors. Under the senior leadership of Deannie Plemon and Stephanie DeLuca, the Bearcats are transitioning from their annual, short fall ball season to preparation for the regular season.
photo courtesy of Jonathan Cohen
Q: In your first year of coaching, Binghamton softball had its most successful season in its nine-year D-I history. What do you attribute that success to?
A: I think a lot of it was how we trained. Coming in, I just don’t think that we were used to doing the kind of training that we did, not only on the field but in the weight room, and what we did in preparation in both the fall and the winter. They learned how to train in a different way and worked hard the entire year. We also had a good group of girls who wanted to see the program turn around. I give a lot of credit to them.
Q: Stephanie Valencia had a great offensive season for you last year. Who are some of the players that you expect to replace her production?
A: Steph did a good job for us and we will definitely miss her speed. Jess Bump, a freshman, will probably be in the middle infield for us; Mikala King is also another possible middle infielder. Steph played second and right now we are looking at Bri Andrews to move over to second base to replace her. We have some good freshman speed coming in with Colleen Dougherty and Shannon Kane, who will be on the bases a lot more this year.
Q: You have added nine freshmen to your roster this season. Did they live up to your expectations in their first games as Bearcats?
A: I thought they did a really good job. Coming out on the field you couldn’t tell the difference between our freshmen and our upperclassmen. I don’t think they were timid at all, they came out and played with a lot of confidence.
Q: What are the strengths and weaknesses that you have seen in your 2011 team so far?
A: We have been continuing to work on our defense and putting everything together. It’s been challenging because we do have nine freshmen and a larger team this year. One of our strengths is that we have a lot more depth in positions than we had last year. We need to work more on knowing each other’s speed and who can cover what balls. I think we have progressed from working on this.
Q: Why should Binghamton students come down to your games this year?
A: We had an exciting fall and played some good competition. One thing we have learned is that if they play well, they are going to be able to play with anybody, I think.