NICC softball gets set for their inaugural season

The Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC) softball team is set to start its historic inaugural season on Feb. 20 in Rochester, Minn. After months of recruiting, preparation and practice, the Cougars are ready to compete in the Iowa Community College Athletic Conference (ICCAC).

Following a productive fall scrimmage season, Head Coach Nick Weinmeister and Assistant Coach Kailee Pollard have identified key growth areas for their 17-athlete roster.

"We were able to create a strong team dynamic and it showed," Coach Weinmeister said. "When we play to our capabilities, we can play with anyone. However, we still want to minimize strikeouts offensively. Our defense is our strongest asset, and when we communicate and stay ready on every pitch, our competitiveness improves drastically."

Controlling emotions and building on team chemistry and communication are common talking points among the team. Coach Weinmeister and freshmen Ella Clark and Kyleigh McConnell all believe these are mental factors that can elevate the team during the season.

"After the fall season," McConnell said, "I realized I wanted to have a better mindset for myself, especially up to bat. I realized I needed to create mental cues, whether it be every at-bat or after any mistake."

"I feel extremely confident with my teammates going into the season," Clark said. "I have faith that we can step up and focus during games and accomplish what we need to."

As the season moves along and improvements are being made, Coach Weinmeister then wants to see his team become more consistent in all of the areas they worked on in the fall season.

"I hope to see our young group grow their softball IQ, confidence, approach and motivation," he said.

Offensively, the Cougars have some solid bats in the lineup, headlined by transfer shortstop Natalie Nenne and outfielder Jensen Beaton. McConnell and Clark were identified as defensive weapons by Coach Weinmeister. The pitching staff has multiple players that will see time on the mound.

"We have four pitchers that will see time in the circle for us and the rotation could change week to week," Coach Weinmeister said. "We are confident in that group giving us chances to be successful and continue to learn how to attack college hitters."

Opening day is approaching quickly, and many different expectations and goals are being set by the leaders on this team. While they have set lofty benchmarks for their first year, the student-athletes are ready for the challenge.

"We have a lot of energy and play fast, which will be fun to see," McConnell said. "We have been working really hard in the offseason, and it will show on the field."

The Rochester Community and Technical College Invite starts the season in February, but the team looks forward to their first home games on Sunday, March 15, at Farley Park.

"Fans should come watch us," Clark said, "because we still have so much to prove. We are a first-year team and have all worked so hard to be where we are right now."

Get the latest box scores, competition highlights and features at niccathletics.com.