Softball coach looks to future after debut season was cut short
Having the spring sports seasons end so abruptly due to COVID-19 was devastating for all players, coaches and fans. It might’ve been even more difficult for Parkers Chapel softball coach Miranda Carlisle, who was beginning her first season with the Lady Trojans.
Carlisle was assistant coach at Randolph College in Lynchburg, Virginia before she took the job at Parkers Chapel last summer. She moved to Arkansas, excited to take over her own program for the first time.
“It was incredibly disappointing. I hated that we were cut off so early in the season, because
I know my girls had so much more to give. We were excited and ready to give it our all, and it hurts knowing everything ended before we could really get into the 2020 season,” said Carlisle, who added the situation couldn’t be avoided.
“I wish we could have finished the season and the school year, but, at the same time, there wasn’t much we could do about it. I hate that my first season at PC was cut short, because I had one of the most amazing group of girls I’ve ever gotten to work with, and I know that, given the chance, they would’ve gone so far this season. It’s hard to let go of losing out on what would have been a truly amazing season, but with the new season approaching I’m looking forward to working with our new team and making the best out of everything thrown at us.”
The Lady Trojans had a 2-4 record when the season ended.
The first-year coach was still in the process of getting to know her players with adjustments still being made on both sides. She said the most difficult thing about the coronavirus pandemic is being isolated from everyone.
“I miss my students and my team, so not getting to see them, work with them, and continue to build those face-to-face relationships is hard. I am excited for the fall and can’t wait to see everyone again,” she said.
“I am also sad that I had so little time with my seniors. I wish I had more time with that truly gifted group of girls, and I wish them all the best as they move on to greater things.”
Carlisle said she’s trying to keep lines of communication open with her players over the summer. Several Lady Trojans are playing on travel teams and she said the others have a summer workout they do on their own, keeping COVID restrictions in mind.
“We are working towards the goals we want to accomplish in the upcoming season, and that starts with the work you put in during the off season,” said Carlisle.
“We have a strong freshmen class coming in and many solid returners, so I am positive that we will have a great 2021 season.”
Despite seeing her debut season washed away, Carlisle said her excitement about her Parkers Chapel job hasn’t dissipated.
“I am still very excited,” she said. “The adjustment was made easy by the amazing support system I have here in my AD, principal, and fellow teachers and staff. They’ve been incredibly welcoming and supportive throughout everything. I was also gifted with a great group of softball girls who made coming to work every day incredibly easy.”