Sports
First-Year Coach Determined to Make Mark at Rich Central
Olympians will have to make adjustments with a new coach and a handful of returnees, but Mina Data is optimistic the transition will go well.
Around the horn with the Olympians
Coach: Mina Data (first year).
Opener: March 18 at Hillcrest.
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Quick hit: “I’m determined to develop the program and take this team to level of competition it deserves to be in,” Rich Central coach Mina Data said. “We have a young team with only four returning varsity players. We have recruited many new juniors and sophomores to develop the team.”
Necessary Data: Data said that a top-down commitment will be necessary for the success of the program in her first season as coach. “Our season will be successful if our key players have a great season and lead our new and younger players in their development. The development of our program will all come down to teamwork … of the players, the coaching staff and even our parents. The blending of all these components will lead to a positive experience for our players while they develop as serious competitors in the area.”
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Infield: Junior shortstop Brittany Fowler will lead the infield, particularly with her bat and her speed. Last year, Fowler stole 42 bases. Other returning starters include junior Shakena Sampson and sophomore Daivonya High.
Outfield: Arienna Sherman will be the returning senior in left field to lead a young corps. Sherman’s speed will be useful as she tracks down balls hit into the outfield.
Pitching staff: Sophmore Daivonya High is the ace on the staff as a lefty. Junior Jamilah Hines and senior Jasondra Campbell also will be called on to work behind High.
Catcher: Sophomores Caitlyn Short and Timeshia Tyler will be splitting time behind the plate.
Coach Mina Data says: “The strength of our team will be the leadership of our returning players. Brittany Fowler, Shakena Sampson, Masami Pace and Arienna Sherman are key players that will need to have a great season while our younger players step up to fill the essential roles for the rest of the team. Brittany Fowler will be the spark that ignites the team’s passion to improve.”
College recruits: Data said juniors Brittany Fowler and Shakena Sampson will be attracting attention from college recruiters.
