From the Coach's Office

Introducing Big Blue Head Coach

Debbie Kiick

“I am honored to be selected as the first full time head coach for the outstanding young women in the Millikin University Women’s Softball Program and I am eager to help these athletes build upon their past successes to create an even greater future.  While looking over last year’s media guide, I saw a quote from a senior that began ‘We play because we love softball’.  That really struck a note with me because I too love softball. The combination of coaching a sport I am passionate about, working with an exceptional group of young women at our amazing institution, and helping an already successful program grow even further are challenges about which I am extremely excited.  In addition, Decatur, the surrounding area, and the Midwest are rich with softball talent and I’m excited to bring in talented young women with a commitment to excellence on the field, in the classroom, and in their personal lives to continue the tradition established by those who have come before me.”

Softball Experience

• As a collegiate softball athlete, competed four years as pitcher and infielder.
• As an ASA athlete, competed nationally over a span of 30 years.
• Coached Mt. Zion High School to a 2 year record of 29-4 in the first two years of the program
• 168-67 overall record coaching high school softball without a losing season
• Coached summer age group travel softball from 1976 through 2006 and gave pitching lessons during the same time span

Philosophy of coaching

A detail-oriented person, I believe in emphasizing the importance of fundamentals and self disciplined execution.   We must start by working on fundamentals and techniques individually and then build on this as we teach our team defense in depth.  One of my jobs as coach will be to instill the belief that hard work and attention to detail will pay dividends individually and collectively.  Play

ing time will be earned, not given.

Big Blue softball players must have a high degree of passion for the game and a strong commitment and dedication to individual and team goals in order to compete at an even higher level than we currently do. The outcome will be winning bigger games and consequently building an even greater level of pride as a foundation for the Big Blue softball program.

Goals for the program

In the fall of 2007, our team will need to set personal and team goals that are realistic, yet challenging to develop beyond our current level for the spring 2008 season.  Softball and all athletics provide opportunity for team members to set and meet challenges like no other facet of life can do. I believe our team needs to focus on making the conference tournament every year and therefore being in position to compete for the championship in the conference tournament. Getting to the NCAA tournament is a huge target in front of us, but we must be consistently competitive in the conference to create that opportunity for ourselves.

Style of play

Of course, every aspect of the game is crucial, and every solid coach must adapt their philosophy to match the strengths of their personnel.  I want Big Blue softball to be fast down the line and aggressive to the next base.  Our teams should be able to move runners, manufacture when needed, and come through confidently with solid hits when runners are in scoring position.  And regardless of our offensive performance, our defense must consistently make routine plays and have big play potential in all positions in order to compete for the conference title and an NCAA bid.

of athletes I want to recruit and coach:

Type of athletes I want to recruit & coach

The best players play because they love to.  They love the challenges of the game and thoroughly enjoy competing.  I will recruit players who strive to be their very best, no matter who is watching.  The game should be fun for them, the highlight of their day, and something they look forward to.  Big Blue softball players should demonstrate teamwork, sportsmanship and respect for everyone, including the coaches.  Our athletes should believe playing competitive softball should be fun and they should strive to make practices and games well played, enjoyable, and full of positive life long memories.

One final thought

In addition to all of this, our team should remember that softball is a game and that games are supposed to be fun.  Winning is a focus for us, but not the only one.  We want our team to go to the field every day to do their absolute best, but also must remember to enjoy the game. Then with these athletes, I feel that it is my job as a coach to provide an environment in which all of our team can grow, not only as athletes, but also as people, as they work for and experience the enjoyment of softball and competition.