Coach Sherry Hudson, Girls Varsity Softball Coach

Q: Did you play softball in high school or college? Where?

A:  I went to Fallston High School where I played softball, field hockey, and basketball.  I then went to Hofstra University in New York. There, I played softball for four years and field hockey for one year.

Q: How did you get involved with softball?

A:  I started playing organized softball when I was 8 years old.  I have two older brothers and a younger sister so we were always playing Wiffle Ball in the backyard.  Additionally, my dad coached my brothers’ baseball team so I was always tagging along with them to practice since an early age.

Q: What do you like about softball?

A: Some people think softball is a slow paced game, but it is actually a short game with lots of bunts and steals. In softball, the bases are closer than baseball, and the pitcher’s mound is closer. Because you have to make decisions quickly, it can also be a mental game.  You have to be able to think on your feet. You have to decide whether to swing at a pitch that is coming at you 50 or 60 miles per hour from 40 feet.

Q:  When and where did you start coaching?

A:  I was the assistant coach at John Carroll for many years. Then, I took over as head coach six years ago.

Q: What do you like about coaching?

A: The best thing about coaching is the interaction with the girls. It brings me great pleasure to see them mature and grow every year. Also, just being around the girls and the different personalities is a lot of fun. They make me laugh every day.

Q: How would you describe your coaching technique?

A: I think I am a pretty disciplined coach. My philosophy is to stress the fundamentals of the game.  I also hope that by being on the team they become more responsible for their own actions whether it is coming to practice every day, finishing their school work, or taking care of obligations with their family or community. I also try to convey to the girls the importance of doing things with passion and commitment.  They shouldn’t just go through the motions.

Q:   What is your favorite JC coaching memory?

A: Two years ago, we beat Spalding in the end-of-the-year tournament and went to the championship game for the division. It took the program to new heights and showed the girls [that] they can play with the best teams.

Joey Hoff can be reached for comment at [email protected].