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Sunday, June 1, 2008
Panther Power
Collin County, TX
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By: By Mateo Zeske
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Photo(s) By: Robert Hughes
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Plano East’s passion for the game produced a playoff run
When Karen Kalhoefer was looking for new place to coach nine years ago, she knew she wanted to find a successful program to be a part of. She jumped at the chance to help continue Plano East`s rich tradition of winning with class and pride. The Lady Panthers performed up to those expectations in the 2008 season.
Kalhoefer believes she was placed at PESH for a reason: to create an ever-improving team of players and to be sure they utilize their softball experience to reach their life goals. The Lady Panthers jumped out to a 17-3-2 record and earned a playoff berth in the always tough District 9-5A.
“I was proud of the way our team fought through our district schedule,” Kalhoefer said. “District 9-5A teams are so tough, it’s a real challenge to make the playoffs.”
The Lady Panthers went on to win two playoff series before their dream season ended, all the while executing Kalhoefer’s philosophies on and off the field.
Those philosophies included instilling a passion for the game in her players. “If I show them my enthusiasm and passion, they feed off that. They see that excitement,” Kalhoefer said.
With that in mind she makes an effort to show that she`s “very confident in and I believe in each girl on my team.”
Kalhoefer said that the Lady Panthers are relentlessly hard-working, part of a deep belief in the school`s winning tradition and a desire to see it continue. In fact, only two Plano East teams have finished the season without making the playoffs since 1994. “They are young ladies from different backgrounds who work well and mesh together,” she said.
The Lady Panthers’ formula for success in 2008 included a great mix of returning players and dedicated newcomers. Sophomores Lauren Peterson and Aarionte Austin made the transition from uncertain freshmen to confident sophomores. Gone was the initial deer-in-the-headlights look of their freshman season.
“You can tell when they just get it,” said Kalhoefer, “when the have a clear idea of what’s expected of them.”
Peterson, who played right field and second base, improved markedly over the summer, according to Kalhoefer, lifting the Lady Panthers with amazing plate execution and catches in the outfield. Austin excelled at shortstop and third with a cannon for an arm and her great, stick-to-her-guns attitude.
“She’s a great, raw talent that’s very exciting to watch,” Kahlhoefer said of Austin. “I’m not sure she realizes how much talent she has yet, but I’m excited to see what she can do the rest of the time at Plano East.”
Junior leftfielder Shelbee Young had a solid season last school year, then improved over the summer. Continuing to impress the coach and teammates with a tireless work ethic, Young could often be found putting in overtime after practice on the field with her father. Junior McKenna Brown, another returning varsity player, has played second this season and adapted quickly to the position. Brown contributes solid bunting and a good eye at the plate.
Kahlhoefer said that freshman outfielder Alyssa Jones showed amazing improvement with speed being her main commodity. “She dares you to beat her with her speed, and really puts the pressure on the defense,” the coach said.
Junior outfielder Jackie Evans is also known for her speed, both in the field and at the plate. She’s also got a quick bat. Third baseman Megan Newman is only a freshman, but showed a great deal of maturity. “She’s hardly ever phased,” Kahlhoefer said. “She`s going to be great in the future, and is great at stepping up whenever she`s needed.”
Four-year starter Sara Watson reported for her first-base duties a few weeks late this season, but even knee surgery didn`t keep her from coming back strong. “Not a lot of balls get past her, she`s a solid contact hitter with a good eye for the ball,” Kahlhoefer said.
Danielle Tharp, who has been a cornerstone at catcher after playing in right field as a freshman, also served as a leader. Tharp not only brought power to the plate, but also carried an intimidating presence with her onto the field. Kalhoefer said, “I’m glad she’s on our team.”
Senior centerfielder Nicki Duff was a joy for Kalhoefer throughout her career, even though she struggled at times with injuries. “She`s quick as lightening, makes amazing catches and doesn`t hesitate to lay it out at the plate,” Kahlhoefer said. “She’s a great leader who brings a lot of experience to the table.”
Senior Gabrielle Araujo was instrumental in the Lady Panthers’ playoff success. “She has nice movement on the ball,” said Kalhoefer. “She`s good on the mounds, but her stick is also one of her strongest attributes. She`s learned a lot through the years.”
Junior Taylor Jones, returns in 2009 for Plano East. Jones not only has managed to strike out 120 batters but hits in the No. 3 spot. “She brings lots of power, she’s a really hard out,” Kalhoefer said. “She`s stubborn at the plate and won’t go down without a fight.”
Even though Mesquite ended Plano East’s season short of a state tournament berth, Kalhoefer believes 2008 was a special season.
For starters, she loved her seniors. “I had a group of strong senior motivators,” she said. “Some are just more vocal about it. They helped carry us.”
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