That is a pretty accurate assessment. There are two sides to her once you get on campus, you are in or you are out and you know pretty quickly which way the wind will sway once you hit the field in the fall. I've known a few different families over the years that have left for a multitude of reasons but the common denominator was they were quickly cast aside as players that were on the out. Some it took a semester while others it took a year or two to finally make the move elsewhere. Some with a little bit of money some as walkons. I've talked to Karen in only a few circumstances over the years and got a genuine feel for her that she is a strong demanding coach with high expectations, and that is no fault at all of hers. Players like Gregg, Ivy, Gibson, M. Shipman, Rogers, Raven just to name a few don't have the same stories as those who left. One theme by those that left is they are in a better place and happy now.I don't know Karen at all. At. All. But from the outside looking in I get the impression she's got a dry personality, and maybe isn't the dynamic, likeable leader that players are willing to walk through fire for like, for example, Tony Vitello is for his players, or that Kellie Harper is for hers.
If my impression is correct, then I could see how that could become a bigger issue in post-season, when emotions and expectations are naturally ramped up, than early in the season. 'Cause someone who is naturally dry, and who may lean more toward being a hard-ass in the first place, well, sometimes that energy can get too intense and become negative under pressure and then everyone starts feeding off that. That's when the fun leaves and the anxiety rushes in.
I would love to know what the players think. Something obviously happens in the post-season regardless of which group of talented players is on the roster, so you naturally have to look at who or what is the common denominator.
Maybe it's the staff, not the players, who need to spend some time with a sports psychologist!
I don't know Karen at all. At. All. But from the outside looking in I get the impression she's got a dry personality, and maybe isn't the dynamic, likeable leader that players are willing to walk through fire for like, for example, Tony Vitello is for his players, or that Kellie Harper is for hers.
If my impression is correct, then I could see how that could become a bigger issue in post-season, when emotions and expectations are naturally ramped up, than early in the season. 'Cause someone who is naturally dry, and who may lean more toward being a hard-ass in the first place, well, sometimes that energy can get too intense and become negative under pressure and then everyone starts feeding off that. That's when the fun leaves and the anxiety rushes in.
I would love to know what the players think. Something obviously happens in the post-season regardless of which group of talented players is on the roster, so you naturally have to look at who or what is the common denominator.
Maybe it's the staff, not the players, who need to spend some time with a sports psychologist!
These are the name Extra Inning Softball floated out. I wouldn't be surprised by anyone on the list, but the only three that make sense to me today are Deifel ,Gajewski and D'Amour.
All players are wired different. Some can handle the constant challenge while others can't. Hopefully with the recruitment starting later now and players committing later in their high school career, a little bit of this will be blunted because of better evaluations by coaches and maturity by the players.Sounds to me like there's a bit of grudge-holding going on. If someone is known for holding on and on and on and on to peeves, aggravations and disagreements, and can't quickly move on from them, then that's definitely a recipe for putting everyone in their circle on edge and fearful of "getting on their bad side" because, once there, they may never get back. We've all met people who make everyone feel as though they are walking on eggshells when they're around, and if that person also happens to be the person in charge? Yikes.
It is concerning to think that some players feel like they get into the doghouse and can never get out.
I would take Deifel this very minute on the hill but i understand she really likes the Pigs. I had thought about Walton and i heard maybe Patrick Murphy. If they want a long time hire then Sharonda McDonal of Campbell is a upcoming coach and is well thought of and has a great personality to go with it.
