Watson takes on CASC softball program
Carl Albert State College introduced Lexi Watson as its new softball head coach on Monday.
“First and foremost, my coaching philosophy is to turn these women among girls. I want these young women to be prepared for what live is going to throw at them,” Watson said.
Watson coached for a year at Crowder High School after coaching her alma mater, Smithville, for two years, winning a fast-pitch district title in 2019. “First it’s two entirely different ballgames,” Watson said of the difference between coaching high-school and college softball. “In high school, you’re dealing kids that have come from poverty. There are some kids that don’t have the best home life. Here, you’re also giving them an opportunity to further their education.”
After playing two years for Seminole State College, Watson hit 14 home runs in 2016 in her first of two years at the University of Central Oklahoma, earning a All-MidAmerica Intercollegiate Athletics Association first-team selection. “I know what’s expected. I know what the standard is.
I know what it takes to make it at that level,” she said, referring to her playing experience.
CASC went 4-12 this spring before the season was canceled due to coaching resignations. The team had three players among the top home run hitters in NJCAA Division II at the time.
CASC will have a few returning players, including Kylie Turner and Tori Morgan of Poteau. Watson said she will be trying to recruit players who have not committed to a college.
“I want to open the door to those kids because I was one of those kids at one point in time,” she said. “I want to tell them you can move on to the next level. That also allows me to recruit players who are closer and don’t have to travel four hours. I’m here and ready to present the opportunity to them.”
CASC’s last winning season was in 2019, which was the last of a three-year streak of winning seasons.