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New-Look Devils Sharpen Up

Chris Hoffman/Highlands Today

Avon Park's Caitlyn Stoll is one of the few Red Devils with varsity experience and first-year coach Wade Jackson will rely on her leadership with the young bunch.

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By CHRIS HOFFMAN

Highlands Today

Published: February 6, 2009

AVON PARK - An era came to an end last spring when coach Mike Cobb retired after 14 years at the helm of the Avon Park softball team.

Along with him went seniors Heather Barnes, Julie Lamb, Missy Lander and Ashton Shirey, players who defined Red Devil softball over their four successful years.

Reminiscing about his 2008 squad just after his retirement, Cobb called them "one of the best classes I've had the pleasure to coach".

"I've been around this class the longest," Cobb said. "I remember Ashton, Heather and the others when they were little girls. I guess it's only fitting that we go out together."

In steps new AP head coach Wade Jackson, who took over the team after a family emergency forced Billy Curtis to resign the head coaching position after just a few months on the job.

Not surprisingly, the first-year skipper is anxious to build a new era for AP softball.

"I took over in December and it's been a really busy time for me to get things ready for the season," Jackson said. "I'm really enjoying the experience so far and can't wait to get things rolling."

Jackson was an assistant coach for the Red Devil football and baseball teams and brings that leadership experience to a very youthful Avon Park that will definitely have a new look in '09.

But Jackson's taking the transition from coaching boys to girls in stride.

"I have three daughters at home so I'm use to dealing with and relating to girls," he said. "As far as coaching, baseball and softball are fundamentally the same on a lot of levels. They differ in their defensive alignments, and that'll just come with experience."

The cupboard was left a little bare as far as experienced players for Jackson with Logan Palmer and Caitlyn Stoll providing the experience and the leadership for the young Red Devils this season.

"It's going to be a much different team than the past years," Palmer said during Wednesday's practice. "We're young at a lot of positions and we're going to have to really get out and play some games to get our feet wet."

Palmer, who played third base last season, has been seeing time at catcher in the preseason and could take over for Lamb at that crucial spot.

"I'm trying it out," Palmer said. "I got a chance to play catcher for part of a game last season against Lake Placid and I'd like the chance to see if I can play the position full time."

During practices, Palmer has been catching pitcher Amber Tindell, who is the starting hurler with the most experience on the roster.

"Amber has been throwing well in practice and has three or four solid pitches she can throw," said Jackson. "She has an idea of the strike zone and she has all the tools to be successful."

Stoll has shown that she can play multiple positions but is most useful in the infield where her arm strength and fielding ability are best suited.

"Caitlyn has all the tools that you look for in a player," Jackson said. "She can field, hit and is a solid leader in the clubhouse.

"That leadership is going to be key on such a young team."

Jamice Perry is another senior who's surprised Jackson with her athletic ability and will likely see her share of playing time this season.

"Jamice is a big surprise for me coming into the season, as she's really shown that she can be a force for this team," said Jackson. "Her speed is what sets her apart and she's going to really give us a boost at the leadoff position."

Perry showed a hint of what to expect against Hardee at the DeSoto Preseason Classic: She went 4 for 5 and scored three runs for the Devils.

Another surprise coming into the season has been the emergence of sophomore Faviammette Cotte in the infield, where she's got nice range and is fast to react, keys to success for any softball infielder.

In practice, Cotte was fielding hard hit grounders from both sides without an error.

Jackson has been using the preseason to piece together his lineup and is still taking closer looks at certain positions, but likes what he's seen so far in the early going.

"All the girls have the skills to compete, but we're just refining those skills during the preseason and we'll see what holes we need to fill and who to fill them with," Jackson said. "I'm excited about the season and can't wait to finally get the ball rolling."

Avon Park kicks off the regular season on Tuesday when they travel to face district foe DeSoto at 7:30 p.m.

AP Softball Upcoming Schedule

TUESDAY at DeSoto, 7:30 p.m.

FEB. 13 vs. Booker, 6:30 p.m.

FEB. 17 vs. Lake Placid, 7:30 p.m.

FEB. 20 vs. Palmetto, 7:30 p.m.

The Highlands Today sports department can be reached at 863-386-5841 or sports@highlandstoday.com.

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