After guiding the 2013 New Canaan Rams to the first FCIAC title in school history, one might think the head coach would be content to rest on her laurels, especially heading into a rebuilding year after losing all but two regular starters to graduation.
That said–if you know Danielle Simoneau, such a thought would never cross your mind.
Heading into her fourth year at the helm, Simoneau is looking at the 2014 season with excitement and a hint of that competitive fire. These qualities helped make her one of the best softball players in the history of the FCIAC while pitching for Westhill in the early 1990’s, and they’re qualities Simoneau will hope to pass along to her young team.
“It’s a challenge,” Simoneau told NewCanaanite.com. “But if it wasn’t a challenge, I wouldn’t be coaching. It’s going to take a lot of grit and grind, but the girls have the skills to do it”
New Canaan's Jamie Schlim fires in a pitch at Saturday's scrimmage in Darien.
Despite the graduation exodus, the Rams will not exactly be starting from scratch. Once again, pitching figures to be a main strength for New Canaan as senior captain Ali Reilly will return to the circle, joined by junior transfer Jamie Schlim, who had a successful 2013 season while pitching for St. Luke’s.
“We’re going to go back to the rotating schedule so that the arms stay fresh and healthy,” Simoneau said. “The most important thing for the pitchers is to have that catcher who can catch them. We’re not worried about Jamie or Ali throwing the ball, it’s just working on those catchers so they have the confidence to do what they have to do.”
Freshman Molly Keshin is one of two options at catcher for the Rams in 2014.
It’s not locked down who will be filling former backstop Jordan Ventura’s shoes behind the plate. Even so, Simoneau has two good options in sophomore Claire Conley and freshman Molly Keshin, both of whom are capable of playing catcher or infield. Conley spent the majority of her freshman season tearing it up at the JV level, earning a few looks on the Varsity squad.
The rest of the infield will feature freshmen Rachel Keshin and Molly Rochlin with Reilly and Schlim alternating at first.
The outfield will be anchored by senior captains Colette Pellegrini and Rachel Kortman. Simoneau said the third outfield spot is up for grabs, with freshman Sophia Welch leading the candidates. The Rams will also have floaters from JV who could potentially provide a spark, if needed.
“Whoever gives the best effort and is the one that we can utilize is going to get that ninth spot,” Simoneau said. “There is a lot of talent that tried out, probably the most talent that I’ve seen come in four years as a freshman group.”
Offensively, the Rams will lean on their veterans. Pellegrini, Reilly and Kortman have each had success hitting in big games, including the storybook FCIAC title run last season. Simoneau’s hope is that this experience will trickle down to the newcomers.
Senior captain Ali Reilly will be a key returning player for the Rams.
“We have several solid players that can hit the ball,” Simoneau said. “It’s just going to take some time, getting the younger players to hit more live pitching. They’re moldable and going to be there for a long time. They’re not going to quit. I think with that young blood they have the will and the drive, and over time we are going to be fine.”
New Canaan Rams Softball at a glance:
Head Coach: Danielle Simoneau (4th year)
2013 Record: 17-7; FCIAC Champions
Returnees to watch: Ali Reilly (Sr.–P/1B); Collette Pellegrini (Sr.–OF); Rachel Kortman (Sr.–OF)
Key newcomers: Jamie Schlim (Jr.–P); Claire Conley (So.–C/IF); Molly Keshin (Fr.–C/IF); Rachel Keshin (Fr.–IF); Molly Rochlin (Fr. – IF); Sophia Welch (Fr.–OF)
Sleepers: Kaitlin Karr (So.–IF/OF); Leanne Macaione (So.–IF/OF); Gabriella Sulpizi (Fr.–IF/OF)