All-new coaching staff looks to rebuild softball program

For the second year in a row, Blaine High School softball has a new coach, and this time, a whole new coaching staff as well.

Sean Miller, who served as an assistant coach in 2016, took over as head coach from Nancy Williams. His daughter Riley Miller, a 2016 Blaine graduate and third baseman, is assistant coaching along with Olivia Berkan, a 2016 Nooksack Valley High School graduate, pitcher and cleanup batter who was a 2016 Northwest Conference first-team pick.

“They’re both really good people and good players,” Sean Miller said. “I’m lucky that I have two coaches to back me up.”

The coaches want to rebuild the program and are thinking long-term: they’re hoping to find opportunities to support youth and middle school teams, and Riley Miller hopes to take over as head coach eventually.

“We’ve got nowhere to go but up, that’s how I look at it every day,” Sean Miller said.

They have some rebuilding to do – the program has just 17 girls currently and will only have one team.

Three returning seniors will likely lead the team: shortstop Riley Weinkauf, first baseman Karin Wildermuth, and outfielder Mikayla Johnson, who has committed to playing at Shoreline Community College next year.

“We’re relying on the seniors not just as players but as leaders,” Sean Miller said.

The Borderites are working to replace last year’s pitcher Taylor Miller. Junior Shelby Freeman, sophomore Maeva Thompson and freshman Ryleigh Pitcher will all get a shot at it, Miller said.

To start the season, the team is focusing on defense, Miller said.

“We’re spending a lot of time playing catch,” Sean Miller said. “I’m a big proponent of defense. You’re not always going to be able to hit the ball but if you can play defense you’re pretty much in any game.”

The Borderites’ first game starts at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 14 at Pipeline Fields against Nooksack Valley.