Smell of Success

After all those years coaching boys in baseball and football, Mike Ledsome didn`t expect to end up specializing in leading high-school aged girls to softball glory. But that`s what Plano West High School`s first and only coach has done, and he is grateful for the transition. After first taking the opportunity to coach girls, Ledsome was struck by their eagerness and ability to take direction and decided he didn`t want to be working with anyone else.
In 2000, Ledsome was hired on with Plano West, in what he says was not a “softball part of town.” There were initial struggles to attract enough players and build interest in a team, and it took a few years to find a roster that was fully committed. Now Ledsome seems to have found a group that`s gelled, with his Wolves having won district in 2006 and tied for the district title last year
Ledsome explains that although many of his players have returned for subsequent seasons, each years’ team is different and always improving. This is likely due to the coach`s approach at the start of the season: forgetting about what they`ve done before and finding the best fit and strategy for the current group.
The Wolves use the offseason for conditioning and becoming stronger individually and as a whole. They assess and develop the skills of new players and work the others in different directions. This has resulted in variety in the line-up and a wealth of versatile athletes. New junior varsity players and freshmen are joining the 10 returning starters, four of who have had different positions in the past.
Among them is junior Laura Terrell, centerfielder and left-handed slapper. The coach praises her intelligence and energy, describing her as a “catalyst who will find a way to get on base.” Team captain and catcher Paige Burke is a senior, four-year letterman and a consistent, versatile player. Ledsome praises her hard work and levelheaded personality, and sees her in a leadership role.
Leading by example on the field and setting Plano West records for batting average and hits is shortstop Megean De La Torre, an Ohio transplant who was named Newcomer of the Year by the Dallas Morning News. On first base is junior Christina Roosemalen, described as a consistent player who can excel anywhere on the field. She led the Wolves in RBIs, slugging percentage and doubles last season. And likely to see some time at second base this year is junior Kayla Millette, an independent student who Ledsome says may be the team’s the hardest worker. After a preseason practice, she asked the coach to turn the field lights on so she could get some extra time in.
Junior Audra Hanzel is the team’s aggressive designated-hitter trying to crush the ball every time at bat, contributing game-winning hits and stepping up in big situations. Off the field, Ledsome calls Hanzel their “Little Character” who often softens game-time intensity with lightness and jokes. And the social bug on the team is sophomore leftfielder Breanna Phelps. Last year she started as a freshman and is improving daily. The team`s right fielder is senior MacKenzie Andrews, a laid-back first-year starter.
Second base is currently being covered by sophomore Berkely Fuller, who is replacing junior Valerie Johnson. “She covers a lot of ground on defense and has some pop in her bat,” said Ledsome. Johnson, whom Ledsome says blossomed and gained confidence last year, recently broke a finger.
Sophomore Dana Purl will start again on the mound, having done a workman-like job last year as a freshman, pitching almost every game through district and the playoffs. “She excels in movement, working pitches all over, trying to get plays,” said Ledsome. Last year, she was rewarded for efforts by being named the district Newcomer of the Year.
The Wolves have been triumphant due to their focus on speed, power and offense-driven strategies. While continuing to work to out-hit their opponents and secure bases, they will also focus on improving pitcher-catcher chemistry.
“Our girls have a winning attitude,” Ledsome said. “They never say die, they never quit and they are constantly trying to figure out what it takes to win.”
When faced with defeat they choose not to dwell on it, but instead to work harder. In the midst of intense competition, the Wolves increase efforts, and often fight back and win.
Ledsome and his team have high expectations and hopes for the year. His army of “strong, tough, always good” high school girls is ready to work to reach the next level. “To make it all the way to state would be an honor,” Ledsome says. “But we`re taking it one step at a time.”
For now, Ledsome will continue to coach with his focus on strengthening overall skills and discipline while ensuring the players are having fun and experiencing the right kind of pressure. Coming off unexpectedly long runs and wanting to meet those results this year, Ledsome knows he needs to continue to encourage in his players self-improvement, well-rounded lives and good sportsmanship – the very things that have made the Wolves so successful in the first place. 
“I always tell them, ‘Play within yourself, you go and play your game, then leave it on the field.’ ” And they play better for it,” Ledsome said.