Faulkingham takes over Lady Shires softball team

By Gloria Austin  
Staff Writer
    After taking the SAD 29 athletic director position, Bruce Nason had to step away from his coaching positions as golf and varsity girls softball teams.
    This spring, Mark Faulkingham will be taking the leadership of the girls’ varsity program, replacing Nason, who he had assisted for several years. Faulkingham has coached either softball or baseball at different levels for about 10 years. He coached junior high softball, and for last four years, he was the head of the junior varsity team. This will be his first varsity coaching job.
    “After working with the girls in junior varsity and assistant varsity coach, I knew the girls had a lot of potential and would be a good group to work with,” said Faulkingham. “I am hoping that the numbers of girls wanting to play softball will continue to increase. As far as the program, like my predecessor, I want the girls ready for any softball situation and to be prepared for a successful season.”
    Just in the preseason alone, Faulkingham has been impressed with his players.
    “They have far exceeded my expectations in their work ethic and attitudes,” he said. “They constantly encourage one another, cheer for each other and support each other. These girls enjoy playing the game.”
    The first-year coach has a strong core of veterans and adept newcomers to round out the team.
    Senior Vanessa Sanderson will be pitching and playing first base for the Lady Shires. She has anchored first base for the last two years and will move into the rotation on the mound.
    “As a senior, she has shown a strong work ethic, along with leadership in her actions and words,” said Faulkingham.
    Senior Madison Lezotte will play left field for the team.
    “Maddie has played the outfield for the last several years,” Faulkingham said. “As a senior, she keeps the team on their toes and laughing.”
    Moving to first base and also trying her hand at pitching is junior Taylor Bailey.
    “T-Bail has been playing the outfield for the last couple of years and is quickly catching on to the nuances of the infield,” added Faulkingham.
    Back behind the plate for her third year is Chelsi Murray.
    “She has a strong arm and a good bat,” Faulkingham said.
    Moving into the shortstop position is sophomore Makala Folsom and anchoring the left corner will be second-year player Ashley Drew.
    “Makala is a very coachable player and she has worked hard to improve as a defensive player,” Faulkingham pointed out. “Ashley saw some action last year at third base. She has a strong accurate arm and is a solid hitter.”
    Moving from right field to center is sophomore Megan Hannigan.
    “She has a good work ethic and is willing to do whatever she is asked to do,” said Faulkingham.
    Joining the team this season are freshmen Tori Hanson, Marina Cameron and Mikaelah Tracy.
    “Tori has a been a pleasant surprise in her first year in the outfield,” said Faulkingham. “Marina will be our second baseman. She is diverse enough to be able to play wherever needed, and she may see some time on the mound. Mikaelah has been working out at third and second. She is a hard worker and she has quickly caught on to what it takes to play on the hot corner.”
    Other newcomers are sophomore Morgan Kibler and junior Collette Ritchie.
    “Morgan will see some time at second and in the outfield,” said her coach. “Morgan possesses a strong arm, a good attitude and is excellent to work with. Collette has been playing softball for the past several years, and she will be playing the outfield. Collette has steadily improved throughout the season.”
    Faulkingham has set some very attainable goals for his squad.
    “I expect us to work hard, improve as the season progresses, to have fun, and continue to grow as a team,” he said. “I want the kids to learn respect for the game, respect for each other, respect for their opponents and to wear the Houlton on their uniform with pride. I am looking forward to a fun season.”