Bradwell Institute’s new head coach for women’s softball is looking to rebuild the entire program. 

After nine years as assistant coach, Misty Eastlake has established goals and is changing the mindset of her returning players.  

While the Lady Tigers lost four starters to graduation, eight experienced players will be returning for the fall season.  

“We will have a very young team this year, mostly freshman and sophomores, with some very talented eighth graders coming on board,” Eastlake said. 

Practice for the upcoming season began last week. 

With the season opener at Bradwell Institute against the Liberty County Lady Panthers on Aug. 7, Eastlake has the team working on endurance drills, basic softball skills. Each team member is learning to play every position.  

“I really am expecting the girls to take ownership so they can build a team and be proud. We no longer want to be underdogs, but a team to be reckoned with and the goal of scoring in every game,” she said.  

For the 2018 season, Angie Jackson, who is recovering from knee surgery, will be the team manager and motivator.  Sara Hause, a senior outfielder, LaBrea Wright and Alexis Chavis will be the leaders on the field while Whitney Evans will lead from behind the plate.  

Eastlake said she believes the most successful teams are like a band of sisters.  Not only are basic softball skills important but team rapport, depending on each other, a sound work ethic, enthusiasm and team spirit are the foundations for a winning season.  

When ask if the team has bought into her expectations and goals for the season, Eastlake said “100 percent!”  

With practices and workouts already beginning, a long hot summer of hard work and dedication could be a turning point for the Lady Tigers.