August 15, 2005
A former women's softball player
at Hesston College has been named softball coach.
Michelle Wade, Wayland, Iowa, is excited about coaching the Larks
team. "I've talked with some of the girls already," she
said. "I want to carry on the tradition that Woody (former coach
Forrest Miller) has built."
"I love softball, "
she continued, "and I've always wanted to coach, especially back
here at Hesston College. So it's a dream come true. Having been a
player here just adds to the appeal."
Wade played third base and pitched
for the Larks during the 1999-2000 and 2000-2001 seasons. Her freshman
year, the Larks went to the national tournament in the National Junior
College Athletic Association, Division III. That was the first Hesston
College women's team to qualify for the national tourney. Unfortunately,
the team lost all three games.
So is going to nationals a goal?
"Yes," Wade said. "I don't know about this year, but
eventually that would be a goal, and to perform well."
Wade figures it will take the
team some time to jell. "With only four sophomores, the majority
of the team will be freshmen,"she said. "It will take awhile
for them to feel comfortable with each other and get used to my system
as a coach."
Wade hopes some of that happens
this fall, as the Larks will have a short, unofficial season of practices
and scrimmages.
Wade will also be yearbook adviser,
co-direct campus activities for students, and serve as academic assistant
for Dave Osborne, director of international admissions.
After she graduated from Hesston
College, Wade attended Goshen (Ind.) College, where she graduated
in 2004 with a bachelor's degree in communications. During her last
year at Goshen, she was an assistant coach for the women's softball
team there.
Wade spent part of last year as an intern for the sports information
director at Iowa Wesleyan College, Mt. Pleasant, Iowa. This summer,
she was a volunteer softball coach at WACO High School, Wayland.
Wade's brother, Jameson Wade,
will be a sophomore at the college this fall.
Art Mullet, Hesston College athletic
director, commented on Wade's appointment. "Despite minimal coaching
experience, Michelle brings a high level of energy and commitment
to succeed," he said. "We feel she will grow into the position
and continue the excellence that Forrest Miller has so ably achieved
with our softball program."
"I look forward to having
Michelle on campus as she is involved in a variety of activities,"
said academic dean Marc Yoder. "She's a multi-talented person
who will make a great impact on students and her colleagues."