Since Shawnee State began softball in 1989, no other AMC team has seen the amount of success that has been seen by the Bears.  The Bears have won eight conference titles and made 6 appearances in the NAIA National Tournament.  Shawnee State has an all-time record of 408-156.  However, in 2002, the Bears posted just a 19-20 (15-13 AMC) record.  It was SSU’s first sub-500 campaign since 1990, and the first ever under Coach Ralph Cole.  Cole has been at the helm since 1992 and has posted a career record of 356-120.   

“That was the first time I had ever experienced a losing season,” said Coach Cole.  “I didn’t like it one bit, and you definitely won’t see a repeat performance of last season.”   

To avoid a repeat of last season, the SSU coaching staff hit the recruiting trail hard in the off-season.  The Shawnee State roster will feature 13 new faces this year.  Highlighting the recruiting class are pitcher Molly Binz and catcher Sarah Streeter.  

Binz earned All-American honors as a senior at Kenton Ridge High School.  In 2002, she recorded 5 perfect games, 8 no-hitters, and 23 shutouts.  She holds the state record with 108 wins in her four-year career.  “Molly is an incredible talent,” said Coach Cole.  “She has a 60mph fast ball, and an outstanding changeup.  She will rate among the best pitchers in the conference.” 

Streeter, a catcher from Colonel Crawford High School, will assume the bulk of the responsibility behind the plate this season.  “I could not be more pleased with the addition of Sarah to our line-up,” said Cole.  “She has a great arm and dares anyone to run on her.  She has tremendous power at the plate, and will be one of the top hitters in the conference.” 

Seven players return from last year’s squad including All-AMC centerfielder Kristi Coleman.  Coleman hit .321 and drove in 23 runs a year ago.  Also returning to the team are Rhonda Sacks, Keri Bennet, Kristin Graham, Katie Gunnoe, Candice Tibbs, and Nikki Moore.  Sacks, a sophomore pitcher, posted a 12-10 record.  She was 4^th in the conference with a 1.72 ERA.  Bennett, a sophomore outfielder, hit .319 and was a perfect 11-11 stealing bases.  Graham looks to regain the form, which earned her All-AMC honors as a freshman in 2001.  Gunnoe will move across the infield to play first base.  She struggled offensively as a freshman, but showed great defensive ability.  Tibbs will be pushed to reclaim her starting catching duties with the arrival of Streeter.  Moore, who played in only 7 games her due to a broken collarbone.   

“We have a great core of players returning,” said Coach Cole.  “All of our returning players have been dedicated to improving themselves and the team.  We have three players back who went the national tournament in 2001, and I know they are hungry to go back to Decatur.  I truly believe we have the pitching and the offensive fire power to do just that.” 

Shawnee State opens play in the SSU Spring Invitational on March 14 and 15.  Six teams are scheduled to play 12 games over the two-day event.   All Bears home games are played at Doctor Singleton Park.