Softball: Q & A With Head Coach Jo Ann Gordon
2/11/2003 12:00:00 PM | Softball
Feb. 11, 2003
Toledo, OH - Jo Ann Gordon enters her first season as the Rockets' head coach looking to rebuild the softball program into a MAC contender. Toledo opens its season on Feb. 21-23 in Greensboro, NC and Gordon talked her goals and philosophy in the following Q & A:
Q: What are your goals for the program?
Gordon: My most immediate goal is to build confidence in our student-athletes. I would like for them to feel that we have worked hard and developed our skills to the point that we have put ourselves in a position to be successful day in and day out. I'm not talking solely about wins and losses. We can execute all three phases of the game and still come out in the losing column. We need to take one day at a time and do whatever it takes to get better each and every day. Consistency is the hallmark of excellence and consistency in all three phases of the game is what gets teams to the MAC Tournament year in and year out.
Q: What is your philosophy for the program?
Gordon: I want our players to execute the little things and expect excellence from yourself and your teammates. That means on and off the field. I expect our student-athletes to conduct themselves in a positive manner on the field, in the classroom, at practice, and in their dorms or apartments. If they take care of the little things in all areas of their lives, then their chance of success multiplies ten-fold.
Q: What do you look for when recruiting a student-athlete?
Gordon: I look for a student-athlete who is self-motivated, driven, has a passion for the game of softball and takes academics seriously. A top priority for our student-athletes is to be held accountable for their actions.If a student is committed to excellence and well-organized, then she has put herself in a position to be successful both on and off the field.
Q: How has the team adapted to you as a coach?
Gordon: I think the players have adapted to the transition fairly quickly. We are a very young team, which is positive for the immediate future of our program. As long as we are all on the same page, and the team as a whole is committed to their goals there is no reason why we shouldn't attain our goals for the program.
Q: What are your thoughts about being at Toledo?
Gordon: It's great to be back in the MAC! When I played at Kent State, Toledo was always the team to beat. I actually hated coming to UT's campus because it was so tough to come away with a win. I welcome the challenge of bringing a winning tradition and a MAC Championship back to Toledo.
