Feb. 20, 2015
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -
By Miranda Kulp, GoPSUsports.com Student Staff Writer
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Named the seventh softball coach in program history in 2013, Amanda Lehotak arrived in Happy Valley with the dedication and passion to revamp the Penn State softball program.
Her first season with the Blue and White concluded with a 14-35 overall record and a 5-18 Big Ten mark, showing improvement by finishing a spot higher in the conference standings than the year prior. With her sophomore season now in full swing, Lehotak and her squad have big plans for the 2015 season.
"I think a big theme for this year is rebuilding, and really showing what this team has to offer," said Lehotak.
Currently 6-4 and off to its best start in six seasons, the team is showing what they have to offer; toughness and grit which enables them to fight until the very end.
Being from Nebraska, I knew I always wanted to be up North. I see a toughness in these players and the people here you don't see as much down south," Lehotak said. "These are some of the toughest girls I've coached so far and I can't wait to see what the season brings them this year."
Although Lehotak means business on the field, she also knows how to connect with her players as people.
"Coach runs the show expecting greatness while understanding how each of us work as individuals," said Furuya. "She recognizes each of our tendencies and can tailor her coaching toward our needs, which is awesome."
While she has a true intensity within her, the second year coach takes the time to get to know each of her players and understands there's no one-size-fits-all strategy when it comes to coaching.
"She has a good type of intensity that can make us into a stronger team," said Furuya.
With the combination of her love for the sport and understanding of its players, Lehotak hopes to take Penn State to the next level.
"I think this season is going to be a good one for us. We have a lot of heart and we're rebuilding this already great softball program," said Lehotak.
Penn State travels to Mississippi State this weekend for a three-game weekend series against the Bulldogs. The Blue and White will continue its road swing until its first home game on March 18th against Pittsburgh.