Where The Hokies Left Off
While the 2023 Virginia Tech Softball Season had its share of bumps in the road, Head Coach Pete D'Amour and his staff witnessed a season of growth and promise as they move forward with a youthful roster. Despite an overall record of 39-20 (14-10 in conference play), last season's Hokies Softball Team showed more than just the numbers at the end of the year. Following their 2023 NCAA Softball Championship Tournament elimination in the Athens Regional against Georgia, Virginia Tech returned to Blacksburg for an offseason of rebuilding. They were introduced to new faces and new motivations, but all shared the same goal of building a successful program that will get back to winning. As the Hokies look forward to an exciting season of fall ball, we'll all have the opportunity to see a preview of their offseason preparations for when spring arrives.
New Faces, New Motives, Same Goal
A new season awaits the arrival of fresh faces and renewed aspirations for the Hokies and their program. A trio of new coaches is set to bring their knowledge and leadership to Blacksburg, while a trio of transfer players embark on a new journey towards greatness as they enter Tech Softball Park. Alongside these new additions to the motivated coaching staff and roster, a group of 9 eager freshmen are hungry to make an impact for their team this season. While we welcome these new Hokies into the fold, the underlying motives and goals remain the same: to grow both on and off the field and, above all, to achieve victory.
New Coaches:
Josh Johnson makes his way to Blacksburg this season after spending the previous four years as Mississippi State's Pitching Coach. While Pete D'Amour hadn't initially planned to hire a new pitching coach, everything changed when Johnson expressed his desire to fill the vacancy. With over 15 years of experience, Johnson is expected to bring his extensive softball knowledge to a high-potential bullpen for the Hokies.
Having played for the Argentinian National Team since 2015, Huemul Mata has rightfully earned the label of one of the world's premier men's fastpitch pitchers. Now, as Hokies Assistant Softball Coach this season, he brings not only his experienced arm but also a profound understanding of the game. Memu is anticipated to play a crucial role in the ongoing development of both the Virginia Tech pitching and hitting staffs.
Virginia Tech Softball has positioned itself as a leading hub for softball technology in the country. When operating such a high level of technology, it requires the right minds to complement it. That's where Megan White comes in. She now holds the position of Virginia Tech's Softball Director of Player Development and Technology. With previous years of experience both on the field as a former collegiate softball player and off the field as a Data Analyst and Softball Integration Specialist, Head Coach Pete D'Amour has successfully filled a long-awaited and critical position for his staff.
With the addition of three new members to the Virginia Tech Softball Coaching Staff this offseason, the infusion of experience and knowledge is poised to propel the Hokies to take significant strides forward on the field come spring.
The Transfers:
The Transfer Portal Continues to Expand. This season, the Hokies are set to gain an advantage from a promising trio of transfers: Sophomore Cassie Grizzard, Junior Cori McMillan, and Redshirt Freshman CC Fleming.
Cassie Grizzard, who had an impressive freshman pitching campaign at Louisville, is transferring to Virginia Tech. She aims to bolster the Hokies' pitching staff. Grizzard, who achieved a shutout in her collegiate debut, made 15 appearances in the circle as a freshman, tallying 29 strikeouts in 27 innings of work. Alongside Junior Emma Lemley and Sophomore Lyndsey Grein, Cassie Grizzard is expected to provide an extra boost from the mound this season.
Cori McMillan, after two promising years as an infielder for the Radford Highlanders, is making the move to Virginia Tech. During her time at Radford, she amassed over 100 hits and 17 home runs, all while maintaining an impressive .929 fielding percentage. McMillan is anticipated to add more firepower to the Hokies' lineup while also bolstering their infield defense.
CC Fleming, who spent a season at Wichita State, is set to join the Hokies' roster this season. This transfer catcher is a versatile athlete who has showcased her prowess in various sports, even making history in football as the first female to catch a pass in varsity competition within her conference. As the 2022 Female Athlete of The Year, she brings a unique skill set and is determined to make a significant impact for the Virginia Tech unit this season.
Although the Hokies didn't heavily depend on the transfer portal, the additions they've made are poised to have a significant impact for their team this season.
The Freshmen:
Every year we eagerly welcome a handful of new faces as part of the upcoming freshman class. However, this season's class is particularly promising, and they are expected to leave their mark as they join a roster brimming with youthful talent. Among the 9 new additions, here are a handful of names to watch closely this fall.
Lyla Blackwell, from Roncalli High School in Indiana, is an outfielder who earned her spot among the top 15 outfielders in her class. As a four-year letterman who played a pivotal role in her team's back-to-back state championships, she is well-prepared to bring her esteemed skill set to the Hokies' outfield this season.
Maci Masters, an infielder from Daniel Boone High School in Tennessee, has already made quite a name for herself. Holding the single-season home run record in the state of Tennessee with an impressive 25 home runs in 2022, she is clearly a standout player. Ranked in the Top 30 in her class, Masters, a four-year letterman, is poised to contribute her powerful bat to the roster of 'bombers' in Blacksburg.
Sara McNelly, an outfielder from South Plainfield High School in New Jersey, has established herself as a leader in both home runs and extra-base hits in her state. With a golden glove and an impressive 1.051 slugging percentage, she is well-positioned to make a significant impact in the Virginia Tech outfield this upcoming season.
Emma Mazzarone, a pitcher from Providence Grove High School in North Carolina, is set to bolster the Virginia Tech pitching staff this season. Named the 2022 2A West Pitcher of The Year, she faced an impressive total of 552 batters, walking only 7 while notching an astounding 348 strikeouts. Beyond her prowess on the mound, Mazzarone displayed her batting skills with zero strikeouts in 88 plate appearances. The North Carolina native brings a valuable skill set that promises to have an immediate impact for the Hokies this season.
Zoe Yaeger, a catcher from the Providence School of Jacksonville in Florida, is a standout player ranked in the top 40 in her class. With the necessary skills both behind and at the plate, she is a valuable addition to the Hokies' roster. As a five-year varsity star, Yaeger has demonstrated exceptional defensive abilities with only 13 errors and over 400 putouts. Additionally, she has an impressive offensive record, amassing over 100 hits and 18 home runs. Her all-around talent is sure to make a significant impact for the team.
With these five newcomers aiming to make an immediate impact for Virginia Tech Softball this season, it's worth noting that the entire group of nine freshmen joining Tech Softball Park for the first time this season will all bring their unique abilities and contributions to the Hokies. The blend of talent and enthusiasm from these newcomers is set to be a significant asset for the team this year.
Fall Ball Schedule Preview
To kick off their 2023 Fall Ball Season, Virginia Tech will hit the road for what they call their "Commonwealth Caravan", a weekend of Hokies Softball Across The State featuring games in both Salem and Haymarket, Virginia.
Saturday, September 23rd @ Noon | Virginia Tech vs Fayetteville Tech at Kiwanis Park in Salem, Virginia (10 Inning Game)
Sunday, September 24th @ Noon | Virginia Tech vs Bowie State at Battlefield High School in Haymarket, Virginia
After their "Commonwealth Caravan," the Hokies will return to their home park at TSP for five free admission contests in Blacksburg, Virginia. The remaining fall ball schedule is set to feature frequent matchups against UVA-Wise, Wingate, and Tusculum, along with games against Concord and "The Battle of Beamer Way" against reigning Back-to-Back Virginia Tech Club Softball National Champions.
Thursday, September 28th @ 6 PM | Virginia Tech vs UVA-Wise at Tech Softball Park in Blacksburg, Virginia
Friday, September 29th @ 6 PM | Virginia Tech vs Concord at Tech Softball Park in Blacksburg, Virginia
Friday, October 13th @ 6 PM | Virginia Tech vs Virginia Tech Club Softball at Tech Softball Park in Blacksburg, Virginia
Saturday, October 15th @ 1 PM | Virginia Tech vs Wingate at Tech Softball Park in Blacksburg, Virginia
Saturday, October 20th @ 5:30 PM | Virginia Tech vs Tusculum at Tech Softball Park in Blacksburg, Virginia
What To Look For This Fall
1) Returning Hokies Looking To Continue Dominance
The Hokies are eyeing a youthful group of returners that are eager to grow and take their game to the next level in the upcoming season. Highlighted by *4 All-Conference Returners, this Virginia Tech unit is poised to take the field with immediate impact in the upcoming season.
In The Circle: *Emma Lemley, Lyndsey Grein, Molly Jacobson
In The Field: *Cameron Fagan, *Bre Peck, Kylie Aldridge, Teagan Thrunk, Rachel Castine, Maija Louko, and Addy Greene
In The Outfield: *Emma Ritter and Trinity Martin
2) 12 Newcomer Hokies Eager To Make An Impact
As mentioned earlier, among the Hokie newcomers, there are 9 freshmen and *3 transfers who are filled with enthusiasm as they begin their journey in Blacksburg, Virginia. Be sure to keep a close eye on these 12 new faces as they embark on a impactful adventure at Tech Softball Park.
In The Circle: *Cassie Grizzard, Emma Mazzarone and Haley McManus
In The Field: *Cori McMillan, *CC Fleming, Maci Masters, Emily LeGette, Michelle Chatfield, Zoe Yaeger, and Annika Rohs
In The Outfield: Lyla Blackwell and Sara McNelly
3) Is Blacksburg Bomb City?
After setting a program record of 100 home runs last season, the Virginia Tech Softball team is gearing up to harness that same powerful hitting energy for another season of home runs at Tech Softball Park. Be sure to keep a close watch on this Hokies lineup, and if you see any yellow balls falling from the sky, know that there are high expectations for this hitting staff in the upcoming season.
4) New NCAA Softball Rules In Play
-Pitchers Feet Can Become Airborne: Could summarize this rule change with: if you know, you know, and we know Hokies fans know. Starting this season, both feet of the pitcher can disengage from the playing surface during their delivery. The pitchers pivot foot can become airborne with one push from the pitchers plate. However, the pitcher is not allowed to replant their pivot foot, resulting in pushing off from a second point. Whether the pivot foot stays in contact with the ground, or is airborne, there is no advantage gained by the pitcher. Emma Lemley, you can now pitch in peace.
-Visible 20 Second Pitch Clock: The pitch clock has made it's way to softball, and rightfully so. Taking last seasons time down 5 seconds, the pitcher will now have 20 seconds to throw their next pitch. The batter must still be ready to hit within 10 seconds or a strike will be assessed to the batter. If pitchers do not windup before the rest of the time expires, a ball will be awarded to the batter. If teams choose to not have a visible clock, the umpires will keep the time on the field.
-Simplifying Obstruction: Obstruction can get to be one of the most confusing calls in the game, but with a simplified approach that could change. While not in possession of the ball, it is obstruction if the defensive player: blocks any part of the leading edge of first, second, and third base, or home plate. Otherwise, the defensive player can not block the runner from advancing or returning to a base unless they are in possession of the ball or if they are making a legitimate reaction to the trajectory of the ball after it's thrown.
-Safety Bag on First Base: This is a personal favorite when it comes to the rule changes ahead of this years softball season. It comes down to nothing more than safety, and clearing up plays at first base. Keep an eye out for an extra bag this season, finally.
Final Fall Thoughts
Previewing or predicting the performance of any sports team is indeed a challenging task. However, as we look ahead to the Virginia Tech Hokies Softball Team's upcoming season this fall/spring, it's evident that on paper, this is a season filled with expectations of growth and improvement. With the introduction of new coaches, and valuable transfer additions to the roster, the Hokies are poised to make strides beyond their previous performance in the spring. Fall ball has arrived, and if you're following Virginia Tech Softball closely, it's an exciting time not to be missed!
Comments