WJ softball will enter the upcoming season under new leadership as Charlie Schrader takes over as head coach, bringing fresh energy and a new vision to the Warriors’ program.
Schrader is new to the Walsh Jesuit program this season after previously coaching at St. Vincent–St. Mary High School. According to the WJ athletics website, he now leads the Warriors as the team prepares for the upcoming spring season and a competitive Northeast Ohio schedule.
“Our team vision is more our program vision moving forward,” Schrader said. “We hope to continue on the past tradition but want to stress building a culture of excellence, teamwork, and character, striving for both on-field success and player growth as a student, faith-based athlete off the field,” he shared.
“We want to build a sustainable program that will prepare our athletes for life beyond high school,” Schrader continued. “I feel this vision will ultimately lead to year after year success.”
Schrader said the program’s focus is not only on winning games but also on helping players grow as students, teammates, and leaders.
Assistant coach Nicki Paolucci said one of the biggest challenges this season will be how the team responds when adversity inevitably arises.
“I feel the biggest challenges we will face this year are within our own group,” Paolucci said. “How do we deal as a unit with adversity when it hits us and it will find us. We must be able to turn the pressure into a positive and not let it us break us down from the inside.”
“If we play our brand of softball and believe in the team concept, we can overcome all challenges presented to us,” Paolucci continued.
Paolucci said the coaching staff believes the team’s response to those moments will help define the season.
“We will let faith, strength in team, and leadership guide us throughout the season,” Paolucci said. “I am expecting this group to respond to every challenge put in front of them in a positive ‘finish the job’ type way. I am expecting us to face that together.”
Players say the new coaching staff has already brought noticeable changes to the program during preseason preparation.
“The new leadership has brought us all a new perspective, as well with a breath of fresh air,” sophomore captain Gianna Terlop said. “I’m expecting powerful things out of this group.”
Senior captain Ella Girard said the team has already seen a shift in the culture and expectations within the program.
“I expect our team this year to have a huge shift from last year,” Girard said. “I think our team this year is being led by great leaders who are going to help shift the culture and create a lasting impact on our program.”
“There has been a huge energy shift,” Girard continued. “Lots of positive and competitive energy. We are really being held to a high standard this year, which is going to help us compete against the best teams in the state.”
