Former Hornet all-conference shortstop April Huddleston said she was thrilled when Kent Weiser, athletic director, announced she would be the 10th head coach in Emporia State softball history.

“This program has been a part of my life for the last decade and I can’t wait to take the next step in my coaching career at my alma mater,” Huddleston said.  “Hornet softball is more than just a program, it’s a family and a tradition.”

A player from 2006-2008, Huddleston served as an assistant coach for the Hornets over the last seven years at the school, in addition to instructing in the HPER department and being an active part of the program’s recruiting efforts. A long time contributor to the program both on and off the field, Huddleston’s past experience at the university will be a source of confidence for her as she moves forward.

“My past experience at ESU is vital,” Huddleston said. “It’s something that’s going to make this transition a lot easier than it could have been for someone that was coming in from the outside. I think it’s key that the returning players already know what I’m about and how invested I am in this program.”

Two veterans on this year’s young Hornet squad, Jacie Stephens, junior catcher, and Eryn Stockman, junior pitcher and infielder, were enthusiastic to hear the news about Huddleston.

“It was so awesome to see her passion and excitement to be the head coach,” Stephens said. “She’s easy to talk to and really cares and knows the tradition of this program. She’s already been to the National Championship, so she knows how to get us back there.”

Stockman shared similar thoughts.

“She’s always brought a fun and relaxed vibe to the field, but she is also very motivating and knows what she’s talking about since she has had experience as a player and as an assistant,” Stockman said. “I’m really excited to see her coaching style and what she is going to bring to the program.”

Although a good portion of this year’s roster lacks collegiate playing experience, Huddleston sees no reason to have diminished expectations.

“I don’t think much should change in the line of expectations,” Huddleston said. “Every year, Emporia State softball strives to win the conference championship, go to the postseason, win regionals, and hopefully make it back to the World Series. The girls know the expectations and standards of a top-notch D2 program like Emporia State, and that’s why they came here.”

In agreement with Huddleston, Stephens and Stockman came to the program to win and plan to do their part in helping their coach reach the ultimate goal.

“We will lead by example,” Stephens said. “If the team sees how hard we work and how bad we want to succeed, then I think the rest of the players will follow.”

“I think that establishing a team leadership role will be beneficial for our team,” Stockman said. “If we really perform as a whole, like I know we can, and like Coach Huddleston knows we can, we’ll be back in the postseason.”

Huddleston and the Lady Hornets have a few months to prepare before their season begins on Feb. 5 at the Southeastern Oklahoma State Tournament in Durant, Oklahoma.