ACP Teacher Brings New Perspective to Diamond

Having a new perspective on the sideline or in the dugout is always a bonus. This year, Syndee Penaherrera, a student teacher in the ACP program is a new addition to the girls softball coaching staff.  

Since a young age, Penaherrera has been involved with many sports. However, her natural talent and passion lie in softball. “My passion originates from starting when I was about five. I always did basketball or softball and I was pretty good at both. I guess because I was pretty good at a young age I continued to play softball,” Penaherrera said, “I eventually moved from T-ball, fast pitch, high school, and then college softball. I thought coaching would be the next best thing and still allow me to be involved with softball.” 

Although she has been playing softball since five, Penaherrera has little coaching experience. Penaherrera said, “I have given private lessons to a few athletes and have been involved in team camps. But other than that, this is the first experience I’ve had with this much team responsibility in my hands.” 

For any coach, the balance between teaching and coaching can be difficult. While Penaherrera does consider herself a good time manager, having two very young children does make it especially problematic at times. However, Penaherra said having the assistance of others is valuable: “Having my husband and other family members available to help when I need it, has helped tremendously with my time management for everything I’m involved in.” 

Being new to the team, Penaherrera has already seen some strong points. “Players have done really well picking up their teammates when it comes to hitting the ball. If one player isn’t doing very good, usually, another player is able to pick them up with their bat,” Penaherrera said.  

Moreover, she notes that the team has good comradery which can only assist in success. Penaherrera said, “Another strong point I see in the team is their positive energy and relationship that everyone has. There has been very little drams this year and their ability to stay together when the team is down has been amazing to see.” 

Although wins are important for any team, Penaherrera has a larger purpose for her players. “Softball will eventually end so they need to be able to take the stuff we have taught them in real life situations,” Penaherrera said. “We are teaching them time management, professionalism, how to build relationships, and anything else you could think of that helps one be successful in the real world.”