National Coach Appreciation Week: Celebrating the Unsung Heroes of Softball

National Coach Appreciation Week: Celebrating the Unsung Heroes of Softball

On October 6th, we celebrated National Coach Appreciation Day, a time dedicated to recognizing the unwavering dedication and commitment of coaches across all sports. For us at Extra Inning Softball, this day is particularly special as we honor the men and women who pour their hearts and souls into guiding young athletes, not only on the field but also in life. Coaches do more than teach the mechanics of the game—they build character, foster resilience, and inspire the next generation of leaders. Their influence often extends far beyond the game, leaving lasting impressions on the athletes they mentor. To show our gratitude, we asked softball players across the nation to share how their coaches have impacted their lives, both on and off the field. The responses we received underscore the immense value of these coaches, highlighting their ability to shape not only skilled athletes but also well-rounded individuals. Extra Inning Softball is deeply thankful for all the coaches who invest their time and energy into shaping young minds and building strong teams.

Coach Dustin Rice – Colorado Angels 09 16u Gold

Faith Carlson’s time with Coach Dustin Rice has been transformative. One of the most important lessons he has instilled in her is to stay confident, even during tough times. His ability to balance high standards with encouragement has helped Carlson grow as a player. One of her favorite memories is playing pickleball with him during a 4th of July team bonding event, showing that Coach Dustin knows how to build camaraderie outside of the softball diamond. Faith is especially grateful for the time and dedication Coach Dustin has put into helping her improve, sacrificing personal time to focus on her development. His unwavering belief in her abilities has empowered her to meet and exceed his expectations, both on the field and in life, pushing her to become a stronger, more resilient athlete.

Coach Eric Becker – Colorado Angels 14U – Becker

Grace Carlson has learned a valuable lesson from Coach Eric Becker—there’s a time for fun and a time for focus. Coach Becker has a knack for creating an environment where the team knows when to compete and when to relax, a balance that has helped Grace develop as both an athlete and a person. One of her favorite memories was tubing down the Weber River as a team, a moment of fun that strengthened their bond. Coach Eric’s belief in Carlson and his encouragement to play first base when she wasn’t pitching allowed her to secure a varsity spot in high school. His mix of dad jokes and serious coaching sets him apart, and his belief in Grace has empowered her to reach new heights on the field, always pushing her to give her best.

Coach Dana Fusetti – Carolina Elite National Fusetti

Ava Giacometti, who is new to Carolina Elite, has already felt the positive impact of Coach Dana Fusetti. From their very first phone call, Ava knew that Coach Dana was more than just a coach—she was a mentor. One lesson that will stay with Ava for life is Coach Dana’s emphasis on working hard and dreaming big. Coach Dana’s encouragement has made Giacometti feel motivated and supported in every aspect of her game. What sets Coach Dana apart is her personal approach, combining experience with passion for the sport, and truly believing in her players’ potential. Giacometti feels empowered to work harder and is excited to grow both as a player and person under Coach Dana’s guidance, knowing she’s in good hands with a coach who cares deeply about her success.

Coach Amy Ingram – Mystics National

Dakota Marshall and Noelle Flail both share the deep impact Coach Amy Ingram has had on them, not just as athletes but as individuals. Dakota highlights how Coach Amy teaches that softball does not define a person—it’s the relationships and connections made along the way that truly matter. She also recalls a memorable scavenger hunt in Oklahoma City, a testament to the fun and team-building Coach Amy fosters. Dakota credits her coach for giving her the strength to continue playing and pursue college softball, even when she felt like giving up. Noelle emphasizes Coach Amy’s lesson on being a good teammate and holding one another accountable, carrying that with her beyond the softball field. Her favorite memory with Coach Amy? Wrapping a teammate in bubble wrap for laughs and enjoying Hawaiian Chick-fil-A as a team. Noelle expresses her gratitude for Coach Amy’s support, referring to her as their “mom” in the dugout, always pushing them to reach their potential while caring for them as individuals.

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