Lebanon
But Dunkerton’s presence has this year’s seniors hoping it’s more than that. After all, it hasn’t been easy lately.
Dunkerton is Lebanon’s new softball coach, taking over for Jessica Bavos, who spent three years at the helm. It’s a position that Dunkerton inherited more than anything. She was the only applicant for a coaching vacancy with a program that had only accumulated three wins in 48 games over the past three seasons.
Dunkerton, a former Lebanon softball player who teaches sixth grade at the Lebanon Middle School and who had coached the junior varsity team last season, said taking over the varsity team feels only natural. Given the program’s struggles, Dunkerton hopes her experience and her familiarity with the school can help turn things in the right direction.
“I grew up in Lebanon; I have deep roots here,” she said. “I’ve played softball since fourth grade and have never stopped. This just seemed ideal.”
Lebanon’s seniors, particularly those who have played the last three seasons, said the change in coach is just the start of a change in team culture and chemistry.
“It feels like we’re starting over,” Lebanon senior Morganne Yana said. “Like we’re just starting fresh.”
The Raiders said that the past three years left a stigma surrounding their team, one that hindered their recruiting efforts with classmates. If they don’t accomplish anything else this season, this year’s senior group wants to change the way people think about Lebanon softball.
“We just weren’t bonding last year,” Lebanon senior Karli Sou said. “Everyone, the coaches, was so different. … We all want the same thing.”
Dunkerton graduated from Lebanon High in 2005, playing for longtime coach Deb Beach during her time with the Raiders. She said she consulted with Beach before taking the job, which was part of what convinced her to accept.
“Knowing the direction that the sport is going, I wanted to put my time in here at Lebanon to try and change the direction of that in this area, particularly to build numbers, build a strong program. ” Dunkerton said, noting declining softball numbers in both Vermont and New Hampshire. “I don’t want to sound corny, but I feel like I owed it. … It was sort of my turn.”
So far, Dunkerton’s likes what she’s sees. This year’s team has experience with six seniors, four of whom are returning from last year. Though the practice time outside has been limited, Dunkerton is spending her team’s preseason going over basics, hoping that, later on, it will translate into wins.
“I’m sort of starting from scratch, just like any coach at any new program,” she said. “It’s always so hard to tell when you’re practicing inside. Hitting off a pitching machine is one thing. Hitting off a live pitcher is something else entirely.”
But Dunkerton knows that significant change won’t happen overnight. Expectations have been tempered for her first year, as she learns more about her team and her team learns more about her. But the one thing Dunkerton wants to is create a cohesive group around a shared passion for softball. That starts with cupcakes, jokes and a closeness betweeen a coach and her team.
Dunkerton is young enough to relate. It’s something she uses to her advantage.
“I really want to focus on learning and keeping a positive attitude,” she said. “If we keep doing those things, winning is going to happen. My ultimate goal, and I know the girls have talked about this, is beating their record from last year. Even if it’s just one more win from last year, it’s something. They’re not expecting an undefeated season. They’ve got realistic expectations, which is good.”
Still, a new coach brings new possibilities. This year’s seniors are as motivated as ever to finally succeed.
“Just win,” said Lebanon senior Carlee Schettino, when asked how to turn things around. “To be able to lose some close games and not force a mercy rule. … We’re motivated. We want to win.”
Josh Weinreb can be reached at jweinreb@vnews.com or at 603-727-3306.