Hey Boalsburg! Are you ready for some softball?
Saint Joseph’s Catholic Academy issued a press release last week noting softball will now be offered as scholastic sport beginning this spring.
St. Joe’s new director of athletics and student activities, Dr. Justin Rodkey, said he is looking forward to the addition.
“It’s an exciting day to be a part of the Saint Joseph’s Wolf pack,” said Rodkey. “Adding softball will give our young ladies an opportunity to learn and play one of the greatest games. The addition of softball balances out our interscholastic sports offerings here at St. Joe’s.”
Before the announcement, St. Joe’s offered only boys’ baseball in the spring.
“There is a tremendous amount of support from our board of directors and head of school, Ms. Jennifer Mallett, behind adding softball and I am grateful to be a part of the process,” Rodkey said. “I am looking forward to helping grow and develop our new program. Centre County is known for great softball and the goal is to add to the rich tradition found here.”
The newly forming team will use Hess Field in Boalsburg as their home field and some of the potential players are already looking forward to developing a competitive program.
Senior Maggie Mangene has been instrumental in getting the program up and running. Upon hearing the news that softball was going to become a reality at Saint Joseph’s, Mangene broke out in tears and she expressed her gratitude.
“It means the world to me. I’ve wanted this team since before I was a freshman at Saint Joe’s,” she said. “This has been a major goal of mine. I want this team not only for myself, but for other students at Saint Joe’s as well.”
Laura Cunningham, teacher and director of marketing at Saint Joseph’s, grew up playing softball at Bellefonte Area High School and then later at Saint Francis University.
“Centre County has always been a hotbed for softball. There have been countless exceptional softball players coming from our local schools,” she said. “I hope that these girls not only learn the game of softball, but are able to take away the many lessons learned on the field and apply them to their daily lives.”
Now, the hunt is on for a qualified coach to lead the team into its inaugural season.
Cunningham said the search will begin immediately as the news of the new team has just been released.
“With the rich history of softball in Centre County, I know that there are ample, qualified coaching candidates out there,” she told The Centre County Gazette. “I look forward to finding the right coaching fit for Saint Joe’s.”
Those interested in applying for the head coach or assistant coaching positions are encouraged to contact Rodkey at JRodkey@stjoeacad.org.
