AWT SOFTBALL: Wheeler turned Jackson Christian around

The Jackson Christian softball team has had success in recent history, but in the 2014 season the Lady Eagles earned two total wins.

The program brought in a new coach with different ideas, and she made some changes to the program that resulted in a record above .500.

Jennifer Wheeler led Jackson Christian to a runner-up finish in the District 15-A and Region 8-A tournament, which resulted in a sectional berth, to be named The Jackson Sun's 2015 Softball Coach of the Year.

Question: When the school year began, did you fell this team had the potential to contend for a district title?

Answer: It was hard to say at first. From last year's stats, we did have a good pitcher. We got that this year with [eighth-grader] Jenna Arnold. As the weeks went on, I saw that we did have a potential. I just had to make sure that we had the dedication to back up the potential.

Q: What was the biggest thing that had to happen to make this a successful team?

A: First, we needed a pitcher like Jenna [Arnold]. We also had Kayla Forsythe stepping up to pitch when Jenna got hurt. Other than pitching, we needed confidence and belief that we could do it.

Q: Was there a point in the season that you saw this as an improved team?

A: The first time that we played Adamsville and beat them. I had parents coming up to me saying, "Do you know what you have done?" For me it was just winning a ball game.

Q: How important were the two seniors — Kaela Dill and Elli Dunavant — to making this a successful season?

A: They were great leaders. At practice, they were there before and after doing work, and they worked hard during practice. They will be greatly missed.

Q: With seven of nine starters back, what is the potential of this team next year?

A: Obviously, we have a lot of expectations to hold up. We believe that we can go just as far, if not farther. We just have to work hard in the offseason.

Michael Odom, 425-9754