Warrenton assistant softball coach Katelyn Pettit was recently named the top assistant softball coach in Missouri Class 4.
Pettit was recently named the Missouri assistant softball coach of …
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Warrenton assistant softball coach Katelyn Pettit was recently named the top assistant softball coach in Missouri Class 4.
Pettit was recently named the Missouri assistant softball coach of the year. There are about 80 schools in Class 4 for softball and each program has two to four assistants on staff, Warrenton head coach Chad Berrey said.
“It’s a huge honor and took me by surprise,” Pettit said. “Our coaching staff as a whole is so close. I couldn’t do the same job without (Assistant Coach Matt) Dodge and Berrey. In reality, I’d like to share the honor with the coaching staff.”
Pettit has been on head coach Chad Berrey’s staff for the past five seasons and helped guide the Lady Warriors to the state tournament this season. Warrenton earned a pair of walkoff wins to earn a trip to Springfield as one of the top four softball teams in Class 4. The Lady Warriors placed fourth in the state in Class 4.
“It was a very emotional, yet exciting experience,” Pettit said. “The girls grew so much over the season. Not only were they piecing things together on the field, but they became a family. They grew closer in both wins and losses. Watching their support for one another to the end of every game was amazing to watch and the best part of coaching yet.”
Pettit helps the program in multiple facets, including planning and running practice, field work, finding and implementing culture building strategies and organizing team bonding activities.
“While culture building is Pettit’s main focus, she can also perform on the field,” Berrey said. “All of us coaches split duties at practice whether it be hitting ground balls, fly balls, throwing batting practice, or simply stepping into a fielding position if needed. Her ability to do the physical side of the coaching is a huge help. I can’t imagine having to do all of it myself.”
During games, Berrey focuses on the logistics of coaching, including lineups and coaching meetings. At this time, Pettit rallies the players and gets them mentally prepared to compete. Berrey said Pettit has a great relationship with the players and is a fantastic mentor for the Lady Warriors.
“Her humorous, caring but competitive mentality allows the girls to get settled in and perform,” Berrey said. “I am very lucky to have my two assistant coaches. Our program would not be where it is without them.”
