GREENVILLE – The Greenville Lady Wave Softball (LWSB) program under the direction of veteran coach, Jerrod Newland enters the 2024 season with seven LWSB graduates playing college ball.
The list includes Morgan Gilbert (2020), IUPUI; Susie Blocher (2022), Muskingum University; Bri Fellers (2022) and Saige Fellers (2022), Anderson University; Skylar Fletcher (2023), Mount St. Joseph University; Alaina Baughn (2023), Ohio Northern University and Kylie Hamm (2023), Kenyon College.
“When you leave the program (LWSB) you’re able to play the game you love at the next level,” Newland said. “Many levels and opportunities present themselves for goal-oriented student-athletes. They thrive with competition and that’s what we give our kids daily from age 14-18. The opportunity to grow and develop with like-minded peers.”
Coach Newland took time to talk about each of his former LWSB athletes.
“Gilby (Morgan Gilbert) is playing at the DI level very well from day one,” he said. “She has recently had a hand injury to sideline her heading into home head first. Go figure. Amazing student of the game who is still talked about quite a bit.”
“Saige (Fellers) is back from injuries and surgery to continue to play. Starting infielder at Anderson. The other day I told her that her inspiration and attention to detail is unparalleled to return 99 percent of kids who have given up. Tough young lady.”
“Bri (Fellers) is back from a concussion and is a returning outfield left-handed-hitting starter. She is back for league action. Many tool kid.”
“Hammer (Kylee Hamm) is off to a great start for Kenyon. They have amassed many wins and have program success this year. She is shouldering lots of innings and has the most wins on the team. Great start for a freshman season. Big arm for them and the next month into the league.”
“Susie (Blocher) is on a tear. First game-winning RBI, great opening trip week. She started at first base every game and has hit her second home run, a Saturday walk-off run rule winning homer. She is playing well hitting many extra-base hits and is back on patrol at first. Surprised she wasn’t athlete of the week yet. Amazing return to action.”
“Skylar Fletcher is close to breaking into daily action. She runs every game and scores some runs. I think she will get her shot once the weather turns and she and her enthusiasm and spunk will be rewarded quickly. Solid start to the team.”
“Alaina Baughn has gotten into the action at Ohio Northern University. She has some hits and will continue to get some action and at-bats. She will have chances behind the plate and at bat.”
“All seven hold great places in my heart and I’m so thankful to take the journey with them and their families,” Coach Newland concluded. “Quality people and kids. So blessed and fortunate and that rolls into their next few months of college softball.”
The Lady Wave open the 2024 regular season at home with the Fairborn Lady Skyhawks at Lady Wave Stadium, in MVL play, Monday, March 25 with a 5 p.m. start time.
