New coach embraces YCHS softball

Will Jameson, new head softball coach at York Comprehensive High School, has embraced the program.

“I think I stepped into a great opportunity,” Jameson said. “The facilities here are top notch, some of the best around, if not the best around. Having access to two fields is also a benefit.”

Jameson, who previously had coaching stints at Rock Hill and Chapin high schools, said three coaches on the staff last year are working well with him.

“I’m bringing one other person on as well,” said Jameson, who replaced Susan Lee Ballard, who stepped down after the season ended. “We have plenty of coaches and plenty of space to utilize to get these girls going.”

Jameson channeled his efforts to enhance the playing and practice fields at YCHS.

“I’ve been going out there, getting the fields in the best shape they can be in,” he said. “I’ve learned a lot from being in other programs and watching how other head coaches handle things. I am a firm believer if the playing facilities look good, the girls will play better softball as well.”

Jameson has been encouraging Lady Cougar players to take pride in what they do.

“I tell them if they see trash, pick it up. If they see a rock on the infield, I want them to pick it up,” he said.

Jameson said he has met the returning players.

“They are great,” he said. “I talked to the seniors. They are knowledgeable about what’s going on and what needs to be done to get better, so they can go out on a winning note.”

Jameson said the players spoke highly of what the coaches did in the past.

“They were very honest with me, saying they needed to improve their hitting,” he said. “It impressed me how mature they were and having the knowledge of where their weaknesses were. It goes down to the juniors and sophomores, and the freshmen we have out there as well. They’re all excited about being there.”

Jameson said the girls have drills to work on their hitting.

“I have players behind me fielding the ball,” he said. “We’re working mainly on hitting, but I’ve got players diving for ground balls as well. These young ladies are playing hard and getting dirty. They motivate me to be the best coach that I can be.”

Jameson lauded the players’ work ethic in less than favorable offseason playing conditions.

“Getting those girls to work that hard in the hot sun in the summer is inspiring,” he said. “That’s the way I’ve always coached. It’s always benefited me.”

While Jameson requires a get-it-done approach to the game, he also wants the players to relax on the field.

“You can’t play your best if you’re all tense,” he said. “I want them to be comfortable on the field and to be comfortable with me. I want them to communicate with me.”

Jameson’s philosophy places a premium on the fundamentals of softball.

“If you can get people on base and run the bases aggressively, you can put pressure on the defense,” he reasons. “After that, I think our defense comes into play.

“If you play defense behind your pitcher, you’ll keep yourself in the ball game. Then it comes down to making good pitches and hitting spots.”

Jameson said he will be calling the pitches when the season begins, which was good news to catcher Madeline Davis, an all-region performer who called ball and strikes last season.

“I’ve talked to her and she’s excited about it,” he said. “That’s a lot of pressure on a kid to call the pitches.”

Jameson supports his players, on and off the field, he said.

“I’m a big believer in supporting these girls in other things, whether they’re in the chorus or something like that,” he said. “I will support these girls no matter what. I support them 100 percent.”

This story was originally published July 14, 2015 at 11:27 AM with the headline "New coach embraces YCHS softball."