Johnie Logue
Sports Reporter
Aleah Paxton was recently named new head softball coach at Lincoln She is a Lincoln and State Fair Community College graduate.
Paxton pitched the Lady Cardinals to the 2019 state softball championship.
She served as the first ever junior high coach last season and was an assistant to the varsity squad.
As always, administrations are pleased when they can hire quality individuals through their own system. (Ironically, both Warsaw and Lincoln now have head coaches who pitched their teams to state championships.)
I had the opportunity to interview Miss Paxton recently.
JL-What are your goals as the new head coach?
Paxton-My goal is to build a program at Lincoln. Obviously, I want to win as many games as possible and go deep into the post season, but I want to make sure that we’re learning and getting better as we go.
JL-Was it a surprise to receive this opportunity so soon?
Paxton-I was surprised to have this opportunity come up so soon in my coaching career, but I think everything happens for a reason. I’m very excited for this new journey!
JL-How will your past experiences help you as the new head coach?
Paxton-I think my experience as a player will help me communicate with the girls on a different level. I can relate to how a player feels during big moments in a game, how it feels to win, and how it feels to lose. Because of my experience, I will know what to say to get my team motivated. I’ve also learned so much about the game in my time playing that will help me with those game time coaching decisions.
JL-How do you see the future of Lincoln softball?
Paxton-We only graduated one senior this spring, so we will see a lot of returning talent. I had the honor of getting to coach the incoming freshman, and I think they will have a huge impact on next year’s team. Our junior high team will continue to get practices and games in during the spring, so I think we are getting a good program started.
JL-Are you adding anything new to the program?
Paxton-This summer will be our first year doing a youth softball camp. I think it’s a great opportunity to work with the younger girls on their fundamentals while also letting them have fun with the high school players. I’m excited to see the program grow from there.
JL-We wish her the very best.
