Post by Trojan Warrior on Nov 20, 2013 17:35:14 GMT -6
Troy Trojans head coach Melanie Davis knows it’s a cliché, but that does not mean it’s a false statement: the one thing you can’t coach is speed.
That is why she and assistant coach Sharon O’Mara have opted to obtain some of it throughout the early signing period.
“When we have had a lot of success, we’ve had players that could set the table for our power hitters,” Davis said.
The move for some speed began in the spring when the Trojans inked Ashford standout Allison Moore. It continued with the recent addition of Northview High product Kate Benton, who stole a school-record 51 bases at Shelton State Community College last season.
Davis said she has had her eye on the Circle City product for some time.
“She’s extremely talented, very savvy,” Davis said. “Being from the Wiregrass region, we saw her plenty of times. Recruiting often comes down to a specific need, and we knew (Shelton head coach) Buddy (Boyle) would do a good job with player development. She had a great year, and we look forward to her being a contributor.”
Another speedster, who also displays some pop, is Carli Kayler. Kayler is the sister of current Trojan Mackenzie Kayler, who is just a freshman herself.
The younger Kayler is “a natural outfielder with very good speed” whom Davis expects to challenge for playing time when she steps onto the Troy campus.
“We are thrilled to add her. She went out West (in travel ball) and just tore it up there,” Davis said.
What the veteran coach referred to is Kayler’s performance in an ASA softball national tournament in Sunnyvale, Calif. In the tournament, she clobbered seven homers, including two in the title game as a member of the Atlanta Vipers, according to a Troy press release.
The recent additions are not only speed-based, though.
One person that will bring a high-character aspect to the squad in the 2014-15 season will be Bailey Burk, who played at Tate High School in Cantonment, Fla.
Davis said Burk had a devastating knee injury early in her career but overcame it to be a top producer for Tate.
“She is the type of character you want in the trenches with you. She is a great ambassador for young people,” Davis said. “She is a true competitor.” (Full Article)
iconTroy3
That is why she and assistant coach Sharon O’Mara have opted to obtain some of it throughout the early signing period.
“When we have had a lot of success, we’ve had players that could set the table for our power hitters,” Davis said.
The move for some speed began in the spring when the Trojans inked Ashford standout Allison Moore. It continued with the recent addition of Northview High product Kate Benton, who stole a school-record 51 bases at Shelton State Community College last season.
Davis said she has had her eye on the Circle City product for some time.
“She’s extremely talented, very savvy,” Davis said. “Being from the Wiregrass region, we saw her plenty of times. Recruiting often comes down to a specific need, and we knew (Shelton head coach) Buddy (Boyle) would do a good job with player development. She had a great year, and we look forward to her being a contributor.”
Another speedster, who also displays some pop, is Carli Kayler. Kayler is the sister of current Trojan Mackenzie Kayler, who is just a freshman herself.
The younger Kayler is “a natural outfielder with very good speed” whom Davis expects to challenge for playing time when she steps onto the Troy campus.
“We are thrilled to add her. She went out West (in travel ball) and just tore it up there,” Davis said.
What the veteran coach referred to is Kayler’s performance in an ASA softball national tournament in Sunnyvale, Calif. In the tournament, she clobbered seven homers, including two in the title game as a member of the Atlanta Vipers, according to a Troy press release.
The recent additions are not only speed-based, though.
One person that will bring a high-character aspect to the squad in the 2014-15 season will be Bailey Burk, who played at Tate High School in Cantonment, Fla.
Davis said Burk had a devastating knee injury early in her career but overcame it to be a top producer for Tate.
“She is the type of character you want in the trenches with you. She is a great ambassador for young people,” Davis said. “She is a true competitor.” (Full Article)
iconTroy3