May 1, 2006
Like most coaches, Illinois State's Melinda Fischer knows that there is no `I' in team. But as Fischer's more than 700 career softball coaching victories can attest, chemistry and leadership both have an `I' and you can't win without them.
In 21 years at Illinois State, Fischer has had a variety of teams. Some had cliques, some did not get along well, but the 2006 Redbird team, which has included as many as four freshman in the starting lineup, has been a tight group from the beginning. With freshman shortstop Kaprice Williams, freshman catcher Casey Gorrell and freshman home-run leader Amber Smith doing their part, it has been very important for senior leadership, including third baseman Tricia Gaither and pitcher Shannon Nicholson--both team captains--to step up and make sure everyone gets along.
"It is extremely important to have captains who stress team," Fischer said. "These seniors try a lot. Seniors have to guide and freshmen have to want to be lead. This year's group has been good with that."
While many teams' players may not stress team unity, the players on this year's squad formed a unified group. From team outings, to an annual fall retreat, many of the Redbird players love that they not only play well together on the field, but they play together off the field.
Gaither has been a part of the Redbird softball team for four years. She claims this team has exceptional chemistry and unity.
"In the past we haven't been as close, but this group is tight," Gaither said. "Through practice, helping each other out, recruiting and always being together, we have formed a strong relationship. This year I feel our unity has come together and we've played as a team, not as individuals. And I think that is transferring to success on the field."
Smith agrees with Gaither that team chemistry has helped make playing the game more fun and has helped her adapt to being a student-athlete at Illinois State. Committing to ISU from Fairfield High School in California, Smith was nervous about moving so far from home and knowing no one. She gives a lot of the credit to her teammates for making her transition more smoothly.
"At first I didn't know anyone here," Smith said. " But everyone here gets along so nicely. It was good to come to a place where people were so friendly. This team gets along a lot better than other teams that I've been on. No one is left out. We just do everything together."
Fischer, Smith and Gaither all agree that team unity and leadership has helped the Redbirds turn around a season that could have been disastrous. Starting off the year 1-6 after facing nationally ranked competition, the team won 31 of its next 36 games to stay in the thick of the championship race in the Missouri Valley Conference despite young players in key positions.
Fischer credits not only freshman getting more playing time, but the leadership that surrounds those freshman for the successful turnaround.
"We stayed optimistic even though we lost close games to good competition," Fischer said. "Through our senior leadership, they all kept up their spirits. I think they have done a great job in not only staying patient but being teachers to our younger players. They are playing really well as a team. And it`s a lot more fun when everyone gets along like they do."
Smith agrees that some of the success can be contributed to the fact that the team enjoys playing and being around each other on and off the field.
"I think our team chemistry has played a big role in the great year we have had," Smith said. "We are always there for each other and supporting each other. No matter who is playing, we are rooting for each other."
Since this is Gaither's final year playing for the Redbirds, it is extra special that not only is she enjoying success on the field, the team is as well. After all, the team is her second family.
"Being on the road so much, you never get to see your family or friends," Gaither said. "This team is my second family. I can call anyone and have them help me with anything. We rely on each other for anything and everything. We are definitely a family."
With leadership and chemistry, the 2006 Redbird softball team has been family that wins together.
