Leedey High School softball coach Terry Maxwell answers a few questions about the upcoming season , while at Leedey’s team camp this week.

1. What are your thoughts on pitcher Taya Hayney, who is finally back from injury? 

“Well, she’s been injured pretty much the past two years. I always hated facing her when I was over at Hammon. Hopefully she stays healthy this year. It’s like [any other team]; if your main pitcher stays healthy, you usually have a pretty good season. If your pitcher gets hurt its going to hurt the team a little bit.”

2. What could put this team in a position to compete for a state title? 

“We’ve just got to eliminate some errors. I’m a believer in playing the game and not making errors. I mean, you’re going to make them, but that doesn’t mean its OK. If every kid makes one error, well, you got nine errors and you get beat. That’s what I’ve always tried to work at — if you don’t let the other team score, I’ve got a good chance to win [a title].”

3. Would you say as a coach, that defense is your main point of emphasis? 

“I’d say it is. I’m a big believer in defense. When I was here [coaching Leedey in the past], I was lucky enough to win three [state titles] in a row. I’ve always felt if you don’t let the other team score, all you have to do is score one run.”

4. How has the transition back been to Leedey, learning about your new players? 

“It’s just a matter of me learning about them and them learning about me. I’ve got some young sophomore girls that are going to be pretty good and six seniors that could play infield. There’s some other players I’m still learning about.”

5. Do you feel like you have any players in the mold of Saydi Dowd [former Hammon player, Southern Nazarene University freshman] at Leedey? 

“I do. They just need to get used to me. I had Saydi since 8th grade, so she knew how I was for about five year. It wasn’t a surprise to her when I’d get on her, because she knew I was getting on her because she could do it, or else I wouldn’t say anything.

“If this team will listen, they can [win a title]. You can ask Saydi. I was on her all the time and this and that, but she was one of the ones who worked hard and listened.”

6. How do you make a player realize that hard coaching is for their benefit? 

“That’s just kids having the confidence. Saying, ‘Hey, he thinks I can do it or else he wouldn’t be saying anything to me.’ It’s just about getting the kids the same way here. Hopefully we can get [a state title] this year, but it takes some time to really believe in it and do it.”

7. How do you deal with playing in such hot conditions?

“I know it’s hot, but when we play our games [in the regular season] it’s going to be hot. You just have to learn how to play them.”