Jays head into 2015 under new coach

DALTON VITT/DAILY FORUM
The 2015 Northeast Nodaway softball team roster includes: front row, from left: Emily Redden, Maggie Schmitz, MaKayla Adwell, Taylor Coffelt. Back: Alicia Smith, Talina Nelson, Allie Runde, Dallis Coffelt, Jill Spire.

There may be a new softball coach at Northeast Nodaway, but he’s already plenty familiar with the players.

Danny Smith, taking over the program for his first season at the helm this fall, has worked with some of the Bluejays players since they were nine- and 10-years-old. That familiarity has led to a quick relationship between new coach and experienced players.

“They know what to expect from me and they know what I expect from them,” Smith said, “which is a win-win situation since the season is only two months long.”

Two of Smith’s important senior returners are all-conference talents Dallis Coffelt and Jill Spire. Despite the Bluejays’ 4-11 record a year ago, Smith hopes the team will make strides this season after losing only one senior from 2014 in Bailey Judd.

“Every girl on the team has the potential to be an impact player either offensively or defensively on a daily basis,” Smith said. “We are deep at every position except catcher, but we are working on that. Infield is experienced defensively and outfield has outstanding speed.”

Smith suggested three goals for his team this season: win 75 percent of the scheduled games, keep all players eligible all season and beat a conference rival. As far as the Platte Valley Conference is concerned, Smith believes all the teams are “pretty evenly matched.”

Northeast Nodaway will begin the season with a 5 p.m. game Aug. 21 against North Harrison in Ravenwood.