Q&A WITH SAINTS SOFTBALL COACH BRITTANY HENDRICKSON

Advocate: You guys are off to a hot start. How does that reflect from the season you had in the fall?

Hendrickson: We just lean right into the spring season. We have a thing called “Hell Week” in January where everyone works very hard and everyone is excited to return after their performance last year. 

Advocate: Now that basketball season is over, you get some players back who did both sports. How will that help the team’s focus now?

Hendrickson: Well, they’re big starters, and they are re-learning how to play together. Getting back into drills, redeveloping the team chemistry. They are family on and off the field, so it doesn’t take long for them to work together.

Advocate: What makes this team so special?

Hendrickson: Just the family aspect. All our failures are resolved by support. This is a good team, one of the greatest teams I think I’ve had.

Advocate: You guys come off being NWAC champs – how do you keep the same mojo going into spring season?

Hendrickson: It’s tough. Being champs means expectations are high but we are still a different team from what we were last fall. We are creating a new team mojo and motto, also new values and culture and a new team identity.

Advocate: What are you looking forward to this season?

Hendrickson: Getting back to NWACs (championship tournament). All the memories we create during road trips, game days, and just creating a family environment.

Advocate: Why did you choose to coach softball? 

Hendrickson: For the money and millions of dollars they are paying me (No, I’m just kidding). It’s because I had two different coaches when I played. One was good and taught us how to have a good impact. I also had a bad coach, who created an environment I would never want these players to go through, like I did. 

Advocate: How many players do you have and how many freshmen and sophomores?

Hendrickson: I have 22 players, split 11 each. Each one is special and I love all but two of them (again, kidding). I love being around them, they’re a great group to coach.