The Ladue girls softball team picked up the slack after the loss of skilled graduates with the addition of two new coaches. The new coaches are Jennifer Tuttle, who is an English teacher at the high school, and Darci Cadieux, who is working at Spode Elementary. Both coaches are ready to step up to the plate to bring the team success.

Last year’s seniors had the most experience on the team and  were crucial in the team’s success.  Among those who graduated was Micah Scharff, who is now playing softball  at Emory College in Atlanta. The team needs extra leadership from both coaches and players to make up for the loss.

“Micah was definitely a huge part of the team in past years. She knew the game better than anyone, and the loss of a major leader like her has been difficult,” senior Natalie Grimm said. “Luckily other players like Sarah Kirchgessner have taken on the leadership role on and off the field.”

Both coaches, Tuttle and Cadieux, have always had softball in their lives. After their competitive careers, both women continued doing what they love by coaching.

“I have played softball since I was about seven. I played in high school and in college, and I’ve coached junior varsity softball as well as varsity for seven years,” Tuttle said.

The Ladue players welcome the coaches.  With the addition, players foresee a benefit to the success of the team and expect more girls to come out in the upcoming seasons.

“I think that the Ladue softball program will definitely grow under Coach Tuttle and Coach Cadieux. We had the most freshmen come out this year, and that gave us some confidence before the season started. I can see a JV [team] starting in the coming years,” junior Julia Smith said.

As the season starts, the team looks forward to some victories with skills learned from the new coaches.  All the players agree that Tuttle and Cadieux, have a wealth of knowledge about softball and are good teachers of the game. Their leadership is a key to future success.

“Coach Tuttle tends to be the expert infielder and gives great instruction to going about a play, while Coach Cadieux helps the outfield to continue to improve.” Grimm said.

Both coaches put a lot of effort towards working with the team. Both coaches get along well with the team which the players see as a plus.

“They have awesome chemistry together as coaches and work us hard. Their coaching style is very proactive, and I can see all of the girls improving immensely in just one season,” Smith said.

Coach Tuttle is very enthustiastic about the team and their upcoming season. Tuttle feels that her devotion to softball will inspire the team.

“I love the game of softball, and I love the responsibility of passing that passion and education on to a new generation. I feel that my love for the game, my enthusiasm, and intensity benefit the team,” Tuttle said.

In past years, the team has had great success, winning the majority of their games. Tuttle and Cadieux have been trying out players at new positions to see what can best help the team and keep the winning spirit going.

“The major changes are just shifts in positions. Everyone is having to try out new spots on the field to see what works best for the team as a whole. That’s something we are still working on and will continue to work on but everyone has been filling in nicely.  All we are looking for is improvement and a few wins here and there, but with the loss of five talented seniors it’s been difficult to rebuild,” Grimm said.

The coaches aim to help the girls grow both on and off the field. A firm understanding of the game and good team chemistry will be key to the squad’s overall success.

“I want this team to begin to learn to understand the strategies of the game and to be confident in their abilities to do well while playing. I want them to have fun together and learn the meaning and importance of teamwork,” Tuttle said. #