2008 WINGATE UNIVERSITY SOFTBALL TEAM

2008 Season Outlook

The 2008 edition of the Wingate University softball team will be one of the youngest in head coach Michelle Caddigan’s 12-year tenure at the helm of the Bulldog program. The team features only one senior, catcher/first baseman/designated player Courtney Wagner (Myrtle Beach, S.C.).

With seven seniors on the 2007 club, Wingate compiled a 37-20 overall record, an 8-6 mark in the South Atlantic Conference and a number eight ranking in the region. The Bulldogs advanced to the finals of the Food Lion SAC tournament. In the classroom, Wingate was ranked 27th on the 2006-07 NCAA Division II Academic Scholar-Athlete team GPA list, compiled by the National Fast-pitch Coaches Association (NFCA).

“We do not intend to use the fact we are young and graduated a very talented senior class as an excuse to not finish in the top of the SAC,” Caddigan asserts. “Our players work hard every day to gain valuable experience. We must continue to work on our consistency.”

Caddigan has molded one of the top programs in the nation during her 12 years at the Wingate post. In 11 Wingate seasons, she has compiled a 373-180-2 overall record. Caddigan reached the 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300 and 350-win plateau quicker than any other softball coach in SAC history.

The 2007 team batted .339 with 85 stolen bases. Caddigan believes the 2008 club needs to improve its discipline in the batter’s box. “We must increase the number of walks and decrease the number of strike-outs,” Caddigan notes. “We want to compile a .300-plus team batting average and increase our number of home runs.”

Caddigan will look to Wagner for leadership as the younger Bulldogs grow into their roles day-by-day. “Courtney will lead by example and help mold our younger players to the quality of student-athletes we need,” Caddigan says.

Wagner was one of five Bulldogs to start every game in 2007. She hit .319 with two home runs and 32 RBI last year. “Courtney swings a powerful bat,” Caddigan notes. “She has the ability to lead the team offensively. More importantly, Courtney knows the expectations of this program and the level of play required to be successful.”

Sophomore outfielder LaRonda McClain (Kings Mountain, N.C.) earned All-SAC and All-Region honors as a utility player in 2007. She is Wingate’s top returning hitter. She was a true utility player last year, starting 15 games at shortstop, 14 games at first base, nine games in right field and nine games at DH. She also played three games in center field.

McClain was second on the 2007 team with a .401 batting average and 69 hits. McClain led the team (or shared the team lead) in stolen bases (23), multiple hit games (23) and runs scored (42). A very consistent performer, McClain hit .390 in SAC play last season. She will anchor Wingate’s 2008 defensive efforts in center field.

“LaRonda is a special player who has the ability to change the game both offensively and defensively,” Caddigan says. “I believe she has the opportunity to be one of the best, most well-rounded players in our league.”

In the outfield, junior Heather Winchester (Waxhaw, N.C.) and sophomore Leyila Myers (Marietta, Ga.) will flank McClain in left field and right field, respectively. Caddigan believes Winchester is ready for a big year in 2008. Winchester earned a spot on the 2008 pre-season All-SAC team. She hit .287 with 11 doubles, one home run and 26 RBI in 2007.

Myers has worked hard to make the transition from infielder to outfielder. Her bat has some pop, as she shared the team lead with five home runs last season. Myers hit .300 last year, adding nine doubles and 20 RBI to her five round-trippers. Freshman Jessica McGraw (Waxhaw, N.C.) will give the Bulldogs much speed in the outfield.

Bulldog junior third baseman Hallie Pettigrew (Uniontown, Ohio) joined McClain on the All-SAC team in 2007. The 2006 SAC Freshman of the Year, Pettigrew hit .337 last year. She shared the team lead in stolen bases (with McClain) with 23. Pettigrew and McClain join Winchester on the pre-season All-SAC squad.

“Hallie shows the quickness and athleticism necessary for an All-Conference player,” Caddigan says. “She is a slapper who knows her role is to advance runners. Hallie can also be a triple threat at the plate.”

Freshman shortstop Whitney Williams (Little River, S.C.) will play a huge role at the shortstop position for the Bulldogs. “Whitney is a gutsy defensive player who has all the tools to be a leader in the infield,” Caddigan says. “She can be a big threat at the plate.”

Sophomore infielder Kelsey Emig (Glenmoore, Pa.) can play either shortstop or second base in 2008. She started 31 games at shortstop last season. “Kelsey is a true team player who gives everything she has every day,” Caddigan notes. “She plays with such passion…she is a great example for her teammates.”

Caddigan hopes to move Emig to second base to help solidify the Bulldog infield. Freshman Gina Ager (Columbia, Md.) will also see time in the Bulldog middle infield this season.

At first base, freshman Emily Chavis (Berkeley Lake, Ga.) had a solid fall for the Bulldogs. “Emily could be a major run producer for us,” Caddigan says. “She has a very powerful bat…she has transitioned well to first base.” Classmate Megan Oxendine (Indian Trail, N.C.) could also see time at first base, along with Wagner and Myers. Oxendine has the potential to put big numbers on the Wingate offensive charts.

Oxendine and junior Jamie Millen (Monroe, N.C.) will battle for time at the designated player spot. “Jamie Millen is one of the most selfless players I have ever coached,” Caddigan acknowledges. “She will make every effort to help us increase the level of play in this program.”

Caddigan believes Wingate’s pitching depth will be very important. The Bulldogs graduated 34 of their 37 victories from last season, so the development of the pitching staff was very important during fall drills. Sophomore Meredith Harris (Kittrell, N.C.) “is ready to have a break-out year,” Caddigan notes 

Harris won three games in six starts last season. “Meredith worked diligently on the mound (in the fall),” Caddigan adds. Sophomore Katy Eaker (Charlotte, N.C.) “has shown the most improvement of our staff,” Caddigan says. Eaker will have a chance to work quality innings this year.

Freshman Brittany Blankenship (Midlothian, Va.) and junior Cristin Kelly (Chagrin Falls, Ohio) join the Bulldog pitching staff as newcomers. “Brittany throws with good velocity and movement,” Caddigan states. “Cristin shows good control and a solid work ethic. I look for both Brittany and Cristin to contribute immediately (to our program).” Caddigan credits first-year assistant coach Mark Mattson for his excellent work with the pitching staff this season.

“Our schedule is the toughest one during my 12 years at Wingate,” Caddigan says. “We designed the schedule to compete against highly competitive programs…to better prepare us for our difficult SAC schedule.”

Wingate will play three teams in the pre-season top 25: number 12 Bloomsburg (Pa.), number 16 North Georgia and number 23 Georgia College and State. In addition, the Bulldogs will battle Augusta State (receiving votes for the top 25).

Caddigan points out that all nine teams in the SAC had winning (overall) records last season. The league slate begins March 15 at Catawba College. Caddigan is excited about the upcoming season. “This team is committed to our success,” she says. “They have a great belief in the tradition of this program. With the work ethic I’ve seen…and the team’s camaraderie, I think the sky is the limit.”

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