MACON, GA. – The long wait for returners and newcomers are winding down as season debut is set for the Wolves on February 7th at Agnes Scott.
Finishing 8th in the USA South Conference, hopes of progression and making a statement under the debut of new Head coach Marissa Giovannini keeps the Wolves motivated.
Giovannini joined Wesleyan's athletic department this past summer, taking over the program succeeding former head coach, Dickey Hightower who announced his retirement at the end of the 2017 season.
"Fortunately I was able to take over the program under good circumstances and it has been a smooth transition," remarks Giovannini. The girls are always willing to work towards their goals which make my job easy as effort is often the most difficult attribute to coach."
Prior to joining Wesleyan, Giovannini served as head coach at Cedar Crest College where she left an incredible mark on the program recording most wins in history guiding the softball program to earning their first ever win in playoff history.
In preseason polls, Wesleyan is predicted to finish 7th in the West division. Preseason was a crucial time for the Wolves to make adjustments and to prepare and to set a tone and prepare for a successful season.
"It was a great four weeks of preseason where the team was able to bond and form a strong culture moving forward. They are focused and being both physically and mentally strong," says Giovannini.
Wesleyan welcomes seven newcomers, six who are freshman and a returning sophomore and a class of five seniors.
Returners such as Valerie and Victoria Clower who ranked no. 39 and no. 26 in conference for earned run average and home runs, helped contribute to the Wolves being ranked 14th in conference with a hitting percentage of .273.
Others among the senior class are Brooke Tussinger, Alana Walker, and Tiffani Linville.
Finishing with an overall record of 6-29 in the 2017 season, the Wolves hope to build a strong core and emerge strong leaders and motivators for the present and the future of Wesleyan softball.
Wolves are set for a challenging schedule as they will have two double-headers in the first week, in addition to Agnes Scott, they will compete with Sewanee in their home season opener.
"We are excited to make an impact in the USA South Conference and hope to see all of our fellow students, faculty, and staff backing the pack this spring," states head coach Giovannini.