I have been a part of the Spanish River Softball team as an assistant coach for three years, and was recently named head coach of the team in the summer of 2009.  Over the past years I have watched this team grow from barely having enough girls to compete to being one of the most competitive teams in the district.

As head coach I have set my goals high.  A new booster club has been formed.  Fundraisers have been organized and the expectations for the team have been conveyed to both parents and team members. For the first time in many years, we will have enough girls to field both a varsity and junior varsity team.  With the addition of a JV team, the girls will have more opportunities to play, and this will continue to build the program.

River Softball has a top notch coaching staff that will give the girls the knowledge of the game and help them perform at the next level.  Our two coaching assistants are alumni Crystal Ranfone, and Amber Havnar, who is a graduate from Lynn University.

Our goal this year is to be district champions, and to continue farther in the playoffs.  I would consider this season to be a success if the team has a winning season, the softball budget grows larger from the beginning of the year to the end, and the girls personal softball skills improve as the season progresses.  We have several seniors on this year’s team that would like to play at the next level, and I hope to help them make that dream come true.  Go Sharks!

Ashley Byrd
Head Coach