By John Devine
CASTROVILLE -- Of all the candidates that expressed interest, it turns out that the one that made the biggest impression was in their own backyard.
North County didn't waste a lot of time in finding a new head football coach Wednesday, as offensive coordinator Juan Cuevas was named the program new coach.
"He a hard worker," Salinas coach Steve Zenk said. "He is passionate about players and football. He will spend countless hours breaking down film. Just a great guy."
Cuevas served on Zenk's staff in 2018 as a defensive line coach. Prior to that he had been a defensive coordinator at Alvarez for two years.
"North County found a coach that is going to go above and beyond every step," former Alvarez coach Brad Mendes said. "He's one of the hardest workers you'll find."
A 2006 Alvarez graduate, Cuevas replaced Sean Gomes, whose contract was not renewed falling the Condors most successful season in 10 years.
"It's been my ultimate goal to be a head coach since I started coaching 12 years ago," Cuevas said. "I have had this dream. When it opened up, I jumped at the opportunity. I was prepared."
The Condors offense showed significant improvement in Cuevas' first year as the coordinator, going from 159 points in 2018 to 224 last season.
"I think it was important was to find someone that's familiar with the direction we're going," Cuevas said. "The biggest thing I'll tweak is what we do Monday through Friday."
At one point last year, North County rattled off five straight wins for the first time in a decade, and was 3-0 in league before losing two of its last three games by a total of five points.
"I want to get to work," Cuevas said. "I want to sit down with these kids and give them a vision and what will be different, with the expectations. We have to get in the weight room."
While Cuevas isn't on campus, he's a teacher in the North Monterey County Unified School District, and is five minutes from campus.
"Winning doesn't start in August, it starts in January at 6:30 a.m. in the weight room," Cuevas said. "The numbers in the weight room in the past have been low. We've got to change that."
Cuevas, who arrived in April last year as a Condors offensive coordinator, helped bring the numbers in the weight room from eight to 30 by the end of summer.
North County had 75 kids in the program last year filling out two levels.
"We're going to get the tempo cracked up," Cuevas said. "I learned a lot under coach Zenk and his organization. Brad (Mendes) was an awesome human. And I have so much respect for coach (Gomes)."
The Condors, the second winningest program in the county over the last 30 years, haven't been to the postseason since 2010.
The program won league titles in the old Mission Trail Athletic League, the Monterey Bay League and the Santa Cruz Coast Athletic League -- as well as three CCS divisional crowns.
"There is pride here," Cuevas said. "You're reminded when you walk in the gym with all the banners. The kids understand the expectations. My job is to remind them it's a process to winning."
Cuevas will take over a program that has shown progress in the win column in each of the last three years, posting a 6-4 mark last fall.
While graduation stripped the Condors of a large core that had been together all for years, the cupboard isn't dry with the return of tailback Kobe Hatton and lineman Marcos Calderon.
"I don't see it as a rebuilding year as much as a retooling," Cuevas said. "I believe we have the talent to compete with must teams. It's going to be about how we prepare. That starts in the classroom. We have to take care of our homework so our best players are eligible. We have to lift more. I know they'll follow my lead."
By John Devine
MONTEREY -- He was set to fly to Hawaii for a recruiting visit.
Plans changed 24 hours before take off when the coaching staff at Hawaii took the job at Washington State.
Raashaan Wilkins wasn't without options.
Instead, he took a visit to Memphis. The Monterey Peninsula College defensive lineman listened to what Washington State had to offer.
Neither could match what Vanderbilt provided on and off the field.
"I saw an atmosphere very similar to what MPC has," Wilkins said. "I saw high academic standards. I saw a place that I felt I could fit in. It had a family feel. That sold me."
Playing in the Southeastern Conference was another selling point for the 19-year-old Wilkins, who signed Wednesday to become Commodore.
"Everyone liked his video and body of work," retired MPC coach Mike Rasmussen said. "It shows his motor and athleticism. He's a got a great upside. His work ethic is solid."
While Wilkins dominated play as a defensive tackle for the Lobos, his quickness enabled him to play on the edge at times, having recorded nine sacks last season.
"I will play wherever they see fit," said Wilkins, who is from Chicago. "My goal is to compete, play where the team needs me and be a great teammate."
Wilkins, who prepped at highly touted Mt. Carmel in Chicago, spent a redshirt season at Wisconsin-Stevenson before reuniting with a close friend at MPC.
"One of my friends helped get me in contact with coach Rass," Wilkins said. "When I came, I really liked it, and what the program stood for. I fell in love with the area."
In his first college season, Wilkins created havoc in the trenches, recording 45 tackles, 14 for losses in 10 games, while recovering a fumble.
Wilkins became a leader on defense by example, helping the Lobos to a 10-1 record and a win on the Living Breath Foundation Bowl.
"The selling point for a lot of Division I colleges is he has three years of eligibility left," Rasmussen said. "It's like recruiting a freshman.''
Vanderbilt struggled last year with a 3-9 mark, going just 1-7 in the SEC, considered the strongest conference in the nation with the likes of Alabama, LSU and Tennessee.
The Commodores, whose schedule next fall includes Florida, Georgia and Texas A&M, had just 20 sacks as a team.
"Our defense led the state in sacks," Rasmussen said. "Raashaan was a big part of that. He plays with a great motor. That's what gets you recruited. And he's an excellent student."
Wilkins didn't arrive at MPC with expectations of playing Division I football. He wanted a balance of academics and athletics.
"I was high on their academics," Wilkins said. I just wanted to play football and see what happens and where it takes me."
Wilkins felt his one season at MPC helped him grow as a player, while improving in all facets of the game.
"I learned a lot about the family environment and how important it is," Wilkins said. "I got the sense that Vanderbilt has a similar philosophy. Looking back, it was a good decision to come out here."
CASTROVILLE -- Of all the candidates that expressed interest, it turns out that the one that made the biggest impression was in their own backyard.
North County didn't waste a lot of time in finding a new head football coach Wednesday, as offensive coordinator Juan Cuevas was named the program new coach.
"He a hard worker," Salinas coach Steve Zenk said. "He is passionate about players and football. He will spend countless hours breaking down film. Just a great guy."
Cuevas served on Zenk's staff in 2018 as a defensive line coach. Prior to that he had been a defensive coordinator at Alvarez for two years.
"North County found a coach that is going to go above and beyond every step," former Alvarez coach Brad Mendes said. "He's one of the hardest workers you'll find."
A 2006 Alvarez graduate, Cuevas replaced Sean Gomes, whose contract was not renewed falling the Condors most successful season in 10 years.
"It's been my ultimate goal to be a head coach since I started coaching 12 years ago," Cuevas said. "I have had this dream. When it opened up, I jumped at the opportunity. I was prepared."
The Condors offense showed significant improvement in Cuevas' first year as the coordinator, going from 159 points in 2018 to 224 last season.
"I think it was important was to find someone that's familiar with the direction we're going," Cuevas said. "The biggest thing I'll tweak is what we do Monday through Friday."
At one point last year, North County rattled off five straight wins for the first time in a decade, and was 3-0 in league before losing two of its last three games by a total of five points.
"I want to get to work," Cuevas said. "I want to sit down with these kids and give them a vision and what will be different, with the expectations. We have to get in the weight room."
While Cuevas isn't on campus, he's a teacher in the North Monterey County Unified School District, and is five minutes from campus.
"Winning doesn't start in August, it starts in January at 6:30 a.m. in the weight room," Cuevas said. "The numbers in the weight room in the past have been low. We've got to change that."
Cuevas, who arrived in April last year as a Condors offensive coordinator, helped bring the numbers in the weight room from eight to 30 by the end of summer.
North County had 75 kids in the program last year filling out two levels.
"We're going to get the tempo cracked up," Cuevas said. "I learned a lot under coach Zenk and his organization. Brad (Mendes) was an awesome human. And I have so much respect for coach (Gomes)."
The Condors, the second winningest program in the county over the last 30 years, haven't been to the postseason since 2010.
The program won league titles in the old Mission Trail Athletic League, the Monterey Bay League and the Santa Cruz Coast Athletic League -- as well as three CCS divisional crowns.
"There is pride here," Cuevas said. "You're reminded when you walk in the gym with all the banners. The kids understand the expectations. My job is to remind them it's a process to winning."
Cuevas will take over a program that has shown progress in the win column in each of the last three years, posting a 6-4 mark last fall.
While graduation stripped the Condors of a large core that had been together all for years, the cupboard isn't dry with the return of tailback Kobe Hatton and lineman Marcos Calderon.
"I don't see it as a rebuilding year as much as a retooling," Cuevas said. "I believe we have the talent to compete with must teams. It's going to be about how we prepare. That starts in the classroom. We have to take care of our homework so our best players are eligible. We have to lift more. I know they'll follow my lead."
By John Devine
MONTEREY -- He was set to fly to Hawaii for a recruiting visit.
Plans changed 24 hours before take off when the coaching staff at Hawaii took the job at Washington State.
Raashaan Wilkins wasn't without options.
Instead, he took a visit to Memphis. The Monterey Peninsula College defensive lineman listened to what Washington State had to offer.
Neither could match what Vanderbilt provided on and off the field.
"I saw an atmosphere very similar to what MPC has," Wilkins said. "I saw high academic standards. I saw a place that I felt I could fit in. It had a family feel. That sold me."
Playing in the Southeastern Conference was another selling point for the 19-year-old Wilkins, who signed Wednesday to become Commodore.
"Everyone liked his video and body of work," retired MPC coach Mike Rasmussen said. "It shows his motor and athleticism. He's a got a great upside. His work ethic is solid."
While Wilkins dominated play as a defensive tackle for the Lobos, his quickness enabled him to play on the edge at times, having recorded nine sacks last season.
"I will play wherever they see fit," said Wilkins, who is from Chicago. "My goal is to compete, play where the team needs me and be a great teammate."
Wilkins, who prepped at highly touted Mt. Carmel in Chicago, spent a redshirt season at Wisconsin-Stevenson before reuniting with a close friend at MPC.
"One of my friends helped get me in contact with coach Rass," Wilkins said. "When I came, I really liked it, and what the program stood for. I fell in love with the area."
In his first college season, Wilkins created havoc in the trenches, recording 45 tackles, 14 for losses in 10 games, while recovering a fumble.
Wilkins became a leader on defense by example, helping the Lobos to a 10-1 record and a win on the Living Breath Foundation Bowl.
"The selling point for a lot of Division I colleges is he has three years of eligibility left," Rasmussen said. "It's like recruiting a freshman.''
Vanderbilt struggled last year with a 3-9 mark, going just 1-7 in the SEC, considered the strongest conference in the nation with the likes of Alabama, LSU and Tennessee.
The Commodores, whose schedule next fall includes Florida, Georgia and Texas A&M, had just 20 sacks as a team.
"Our defense led the state in sacks," Rasmussen said. "Raashaan was a big part of that. He plays with a great motor. That's what gets you recruited. And he's an excellent student."
Wilkins didn't arrive at MPC with expectations of playing Division I football. He wanted a balance of academics and athletics.
"I was high on their academics," Wilkins said. I just wanted to play football and see what happens and where it takes me."
Wilkins felt his one season at MPC helped him grow as a player, while improving in all facets of the game.
"I learned a lot about the family environment and how important it is," Wilkins said. "I got the sense that Vanderbilt has a similar philosophy. Looking back, it was a good decision to come out here."
By John Devine
NEW YORK - He signed on to be a coach for the United States Bobsled and Skeleton Federation. Getting back in the sled wasn't an expectation.
Yet, when a driver for three rookie brakemen couldn't compete because of military obligations, that is exactly where Nick Cunningham found himself.
A three-time bobsledding Olympian, Cunningham had not spent a minute training since he competed in his last race at the 2020 Winter Olympics.
"You can not just show up and go through the motions," Cunningham said. "You have to be dialed in and focus. It was good to see going 90 mph with five G's was still in me."
Apparently so is the urge to chase a fourth Olympic team. The juices were flowing through the veins of the Monterey graduate, who won one race and grabbed four silvers in Lake Placid.
"It was a special moment hearing our national anthem when I was up on the podium," Cunningham said. "It could be potentially the last time I stand up there."
Competing in just six of the eight races on the North American Cup tour, Cunningham placed third overall in the point standing in the two-man and four-man bobsled competitions.
Than again, two weeks ago he was gearing up for his second season as the head track and field coach at Carmel, which he will do upon returning in 10 days.
"Coaching is my passion," said Cunningham, who will actually coach bobsleders in Park City, Utah over the next two weeks. "What I've learned as a coach as changed my philosophy as an athlete."
At 34 years old, Cunningham clearly still has the athletic skills and engineer a bobsled team back to the Olympics.
While the former Boise State sprinter hasn't officially made a decision, listening to his voice makes it pretty clear what direction he's headed.
"The moment I put one second into this, I knew I would have to see it through," Cunningham said. "I think my parents new the same exact thing."
Cunningham didn't deny that the juices are flowing about potentially chasing a fourth Olympic team and going after a medal in a sport America isn't know for as a strength.
"I"m not going to lie, it's been in the back of my mind," Cunningham said. "I kept my notes and tools. I didn't want to shut the door."
Yet, Cunningham has virtually stayed away from the training that has engulfed his live since he was setting school records in the 100 and 200 meter sprints at Monterey.
"The two years off enabled me to let my body heel," Cunningham said. "I was still on the track and in the weight room. But as a coach, not an athlete."
That will change as Cunningham will begin training with an eye on 2024. He will continue to coach the sprinter at Carmel and look to be an example as he works his way back into shape.
"The passion to do to it again is back," Cunningham said. "Right now I'm beat up. My hamstrings are all over the track. I just hung on towards the end. But what a thrill."
The fact that Cunningham medaled with little or no training, and three rookies on his four-man team, has him excited about the potential to take the next step.
"We kind of saw where I was as a pilot," Cunningham said. "Working with a bunch of rookies for the first time, I tried to show them how the World Cup works. The reward was seeing their faces."
Rather than the focus being on himself, one of the things Cunningham has taken with him from coaching is making others around him better.
"Being an Olympic athlete, you're self-centered," Cunningham said. "It all about me. Being a coach, it's about making others better. That's what I tried to do as competitor this week. I still hate losing."
While making an Olympic team is a challenge, it's not what Cunningham labeled at the hard part in his quest to make a fourth team.
"No, the hard part is staying motivated and healthy," Cunningham said. "You have to realize as some point, the opportunity and athleticism will go away."
Another issue that could limit Cunningham's options in terms of competition is finances. His last two Olympic appearances were aided by being in the U.S. Army.
"Now it's out of my pocket," Cunningham said. "The US will supply the equipment. But this tour I took part in can cost anywhere between $15,000 and $25,000."
After 12 years of being the road, living in suitcases why pursuing a dream, Cunningham relished being home the last two years, working with kids and building self-esteem.
He will remain home in the spring as a track coach before he likely begins a quest to make a fourth U.S. Olympic team.
"While I havent' made a final decision, I will train with the thought of competing in the Olympics. I will be the coach at practice that practices what he preaches.
Being home, however, has given Cunningham a different prospective on life. Smaller achievements mean more to him than in the past.
"I realize what's important to me," Cunningham said. "But I still love competing. I was hanging on for dear life this week. I'm beat up. But we walked out there with a plaque.
Jordan Olivares
The former Seaside High four-year standout earned a second start for the Sacramento State women's basketball team, logging two assists and three steals in a win.
Over the last five games, Olivares is averaging over 20 minutes night. Having played in 15 games this year for the Hornets, the true freshman is averaging 13.2 minutes and 2.5 points.
Olivares has scored 37 points, including a college career high eight two weeks ago. She has pulled down 28 rebounds, 22 steals and 15 assists for Sacramento State.
Olivares led Seaside to the programs first Central Coast Section Division IV title last year and a spot in the State Northern California quarterfinals.
Brad Sendell
For the third time in his career, Brad Sendell was named the Midwest Conference Player of the Week for the Lawrence University basketball team.
The junior sharpshooter averaged 25.5 points last week for Lawrence, shooting 59.8 percent from the field and 46.5 percent from beyond the 3-point arc.
On the season, the former Pacific Grove product has started all 15 games for the Vikings and leads them in minutes per game (34.8) and scoring (22.8).
Sendell is second in steals (15) and assists (2.7), and third in rebounds (3.3).
A four-year starter at Pacific Grove, Sendell was the leagues Most Valuable Player three times, leading the team to three Mission Trail Athletic League titles.
Andrea
By John Devine
SEASIDE -- With doubleheaders amounting to four games in two days during conference, Andrea Kenney was searching for another arm.
As dominating as Haley Fein has been in her first three springs in the circle for CSU Monterey Bay, fatigue becomes a factor late in the season.
"I've been fortunate to have some jewels pitch for me," the Otters softball coach said. "But you can't ride one arm all season. I think it has hurt us in the past in the postseason."
Kenney landed a diamond over the summer when Cassie Gasper called and expressed an interest in coming
The sophomore right-handed can also pitch, having spent her sophomore season at the University of Missouri, pitching in the Southeastern Conference last year.
"We will have one of my better one-two punches since I've been here," said Kenney, who has been with the program since its inception in 2015.
Fein pitched the Otters to a conference title as a freshman in 2017, and has earned all-Region honors in the past. Gasper won 13 games for Missouri last year, shutting out Arizona State in her debut.
"Haley is going to break a bunch of pitching records this year," Kenney said. "These two are going to work well together. Both are going to make each other better. I'm excited about our depth in the circle."
The pair are two completely different throwers a Fein hits speeds of 66 mph, relying in a screwball and rise while Gasper is more of a drop ball pitcher.
"Haley likes to bust hitters in the hands," said Kenney, who is closing in on 500 wins for her career. "Cassie more most consistent in hitting her spots. She is so good."
Since winning 43 games in 2017, the Otters have stumbled over the last two years with 25 and 29 wins, although a late run last spring got them into the conference tournament.
"We found our way towards at the end of the season and made a run in the playoffs," Kenney said. "That comes from mental toughness."
Kenney was speaking about eight extra inning losses the Otters suffered last year.
"Hopefully we've learned from it," Kenney said.
Based on the effort CSUMB put up during fall ball, those questions have already been answered as it knocked off three Division I programs.
"We beat some good teams," Kenney said.
What Kenney felt the Otters have lacked over the last two years is aggressiveness at the plate. So she went out and found power hitter that hasn't played in two years in infielder Jamie Sugimoto.
Sugimoto transferred from Fullerton State. Prior to that she won the Coast Conference triple crown at Cabrillo College in 2017, hitting .525 with 10 homers and 40 RBI.
"She looked good in the fall," Kenney said. "She's going to make a big impact in our lineup. With Jamie and Cassie (Gasper), we've solidified two positions."
Sugimoto will join a lineup that includes first baseman Alyssa Burt, who hit a team high .345, and shared the team lead in runs batted in with 33.
Shortstop Korina Krueg solidified the infield last year, while hitting .300 and stealing a team high 19 bases for the Otters.
"We're a little more aggressive at the plate in the fall," Kenney said. "We made adjustments with our swing. We scored a lot of runs in the fall. During our 40 wins seasons, we were aggressive."
Kenney, who considered herself a defensive minded coach, brought in former Santa Catalina and Cal and Tennessee slugger Annie Aldrete to be her hitting coach, as well as work with her catchers.
"We're very similar in what we teach," said Kenney, in bringing Aldrete aboard. "She's been a great addition to the staff. The girls look up to here."
What Kenney had during the Otters last conference title run in 2017 was depth. She brought in a handful of freshman she expects to contribute immediately.
Among them pushing for starting jobs include catcher Ella Gibson, outfielder Jessica Cross and infielders Madison Ribeiro and Ashley Honorio.
"Some of these kids have worked hard in the fall," Kenney said.
That would included returners Shaye Felix and Nikki Jones. Felix hit .313 last year in a platoon role in the outfield while Jones give the lineup a little speed on the base paths.
"We've had two tams that I felt could have won a national title," Kenney sad. "But this team is so different. Those teams had a little more offense. I've never had pitching like this."
What Kenney has been most proud of in her 15 years is building the program from the ground up and stabilizing it to where the Otters are a contender each season.
Two years after the program was established, its been contending for conference ever since, earning as high as a No. 2 national ranking in Division II in 2015.
"I'm very proud of what this program has done," Kenney said. "We started from scratch. Our first two years were water on the bridge. Maintaining that success is so rewarding."
The former Seaside High four-year standout earned a second start for the Sacramento State women's basketball team, logging two assists and three steals in a win.
Over the last five games, Olivares is averaging over 20 minutes night. Having played in 15 games this year for the Hornets, the true freshman is averaging 13.2 minutes and 2.5 points.
Olivares has scored 37 points, including a college career high eight two weeks ago. She has pulled down 28 rebounds, 22 steals and 15 assists for Sacramento State.
Olivares led Seaside to the programs first Central Coast Section Division IV title last year and a spot in the State Northern California quarterfinals.
Brad Sendell
For the third time in his career, Brad Sendell was named the Midwest Conference Player of the Week for the Lawrence University basketball team.
The junior sharpshooter averaged 25.5 points last week for Lawrence, shooting 59.8 percent from the field and 46.5 percent from beyond the 3-point arc.
On the season, the former Pacific Grove product has started all 15 games for the Vikings and leads them in minutes per game (34.8) and scoring (22.8).
Sendell is second in steals (15) and assists (2.7), and third in rebounds (3.3).
A four-year starter at Pacific Grove, Sendell was the leagues Most Valuable Player three times, leading the team to three Mission Trail Athletic League titles.
Andrea
By John Devine
SEASIDE -- With doubleheaders amounting to four games in two days during conference, Andrea Kenney was searching for another arm.
As dominating as Haley Fein has been in her first three springs in the circle for CSU Monterey Bay, fatigue becomes a factor late in the season.
"I've been fortunate to have some jewels pitch for me," the Otters softball coach said. "But you can't ride one arm all season. I think it has hurt us in the past in the postseason."
Kenney landed a diamond over the summer when Cassie Gasper called and expressed an interest in coming
The sophomore right-handed can also pitch, having spent her sophomore season at the University of Missouri, pitching in the Southeastern Conference last year.
"We will have one of my better one-two punches since I've been here," said Kenney, who has been with the program since its inception in 2015.
Fein pitched the Otters to a conference title as a freshman in 2017, and has earned all-Region honors in the past. Gasper won 13 games for Missouri last year, shutting out Arizona State in her debut.
"Haley is going to break a bunch of pitching records this year," Kenney said. "These two are going to work well together. Both are going to make each other better. I'm excited about our depth in the circle."
The pair are two completely different throwers a Fein hits speeds of 66 mph, relying in a screwball and rise while Gasper is more of a drop ball pitcher.
"Haley likes to bust hitters in the hands," said Kenney, who is closing in on 500 wins for her career. "Cassie more most consistent in hitting her spots. She is so good."
Since winning 43 games in 2017, the Otters have stumbled over the last two years with 25 and 29 wins, although a late run last spring got them into the conference tournament.
"We found our way towards at the end of the season and made a run in the playoffs," Kenney said. "That comes from mental toughness."
Kenney was speaking about eight extra inning losses the Otters suffered last year.
"Hopefully we've learned from it," Kenney said.
Based on the effort CSUMB put up during fall ball, those questions have already been answered as it knocked off three Division I programs.
"We beat some good teams," Kenney said.
What Kenney felt the Otters have lacked over the last two years is aggressiveness at the plate. So she went out and found power hitter that hasn't played in two years in infielder Jamie Sugimoto.
Sugimoto transferred from Fullerton State. Prior to that she won the Coast Conference triple crown at Cabrillo College in 2017, hitting .525 with 10 homers and 40 RBI.
"She looked good in the fall," Kenney said. "She's going to make a big impact in our lineup. With Jamie and Cassie (Gasper), we've solidified two positions."
Sugimoto will join a lineup that includes first baseman Alyssa Burt, who hit a team high .345, and shared the team lead in runs batted in with 33.
Shortstop Korina Krueg solidified the infield last year, while hitting .300 and stealing a team high 19 bases for the Otters.
"We're a little more aggressive at the plate in the fall," Kenney said. "We made adjustments with our swing. We scored a lot of runs in the fall. During our 40 wins seasons, we were aggressive."
Kenney, who considered herself a defensive minded coach, brought in former Santa Catalina and Cal and Tennessee slugger Annie Aldrete to be her hitting coach, as well as work with her catchers.
"We're very similar in what we teach," said Kenney, in bringing Aldrete aboard. "She's been a great addition to the staff. The girls look up to here."
What Kenney had during the Otters last conference title run in 2017 was depth. She brought in a handful of freshman she expects to contribute immediately.
Among them pushing for starting jobs include catcher Ella Gibson, outfielder Jessica Cross and infielders Madison Ribeiro and Ashley Honorio.
"Some of these kids have worked hard in the fall," Kenney said.
That would included returners Shaye Felix and Nikki Jones. Felix hit .313 last year in a platoon role in the outfield while Jones give the lineup a little speed on the base paths.
"We've had two tams that I felt could have won a national title," Kenney sad. "But this team is so different. Those teams had a little more offense. I've never had pitching like this."
What Kenney has been most proud of in her 15 years is building the program from the ground up and stabilizing it to where the Otters are a contender each season.
Two years after the program was established, its been contending for conference ever since, earning as high as a No. 2 national ranking in Division II in 2015.
"I'm very proud of what this program has done," Kenney said. "We started from scratch. Our first two years were water on the bridge. Maintaining that success is so rewarding."
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