Paul NasellaThe women’s softball team’s familiar traditions and superstitions shared with former coach, Karen Pelkey, were swiftly converted to just memories for the players this upcoming season. For undisclosed personal reasons, Pelkey resigned from the head coach position. Martine Susko has been appointed to lead the women’s team as head coach.
In her eighth season coaching, Susko joined the Cabrini women’s softball program on very short notice. She arrived at Cabrini just a week before the season began.
“I had to jump right in,” said Susko. This was said to be the hardest obstacle to overcome since her premier at Cabrini.
Lauren Cole and Jennifer Prendiville, both senior softball players, anxiously await the new season with Susko. However, they agree Pelkey will be missed.
“Pelkey was very upbeat. She knew how to be instructional and fun at the same time,” said Cole. Susko accordingly plans on approaching the new season with a similar type of attitude to which her players are accustomed.
“We want to maintain a competitive, healthy, and fun program for our athletes,” said Susko. The goals for Susko this season are to win the PAC and have a good show in regional competition.
Susko, a Lehigh Valley native, has been a life-long softball player and coach. She played collegiate ball at Drexel University. Susko’s preferred positions were pitcher and infielder.
Checking Susko’s resume proves that she has quite an impressive history of coaching. Drexel, Penn and Swathmore’s softball teams were her three past coaching experiences.
The Cabrini women’s softball team has built quite a reputation over the years for being a dominant team in their division. Stepping into a position in charge of a successful team is widely viewed as a factor of intimidation for new coaches. However, this has not seemed to faze Susko.
“No, this hasn’t bothered me. We are very confident we will be successful,” said Susko. “Pelkey has built a solid program with an impressive tradition and we hope to build on that.”
So far, Susko has quickly adapted and developed friendships within the Cabrini community. Susko stated that the Cabrini staff and administration have been extremely supportive. As for her new players, Susko gave a glowing review.
“The girls are absolutely tremendous. They are dedicated, loyal and they work very well in achieving our goals,” said Susko. Cole and Prendiville returned the compliment with a feeling of excitement for the future season with an optimistic coach.
It appears to be a harmonious relationship among all the women involved with the women’s softball team. Susko got tossed into her new position and she could have easily been discouraged in her view of Cabrini. However, with nothing but rave reviews, Susko claimed, “Cabrini is a good fit for me.”
Posted to the web by Paul Nasella
