Women’s Softball In Uncharted Waters, 14 Straight
Carneys Point, NJ. – 2013 saw the last season of Salem Community College softball after decades of competition. That team finished their season with a 2-15 record. SCC committed to bringing the program back in 2019 and after a few years the program is seeing well-earned success. It's been a long time coming but the success that the 2024 Mighty Oaks softball program has encountered is unprecedented. The 2024 Mighty Oaks are in the middle of a 14-game winning streak which is something that has not been seen at SCC in a very long time.
"The key to the success that we are having is the preparation and work we put in each day along with the ladies playing for each other," said Mighty Oaks Head Softball Coach Angel Rodriguez. "They bought into that and they continue to pick each other up when needed".
Rodriguez took the program over in 2022 and has hit the ground running bringing the team back but also making them competitive right from the start. Coach spent a lot of time recruiting and selling what Salem Community College and its newly reinstated athletics programs had to offer women from across the country. In his first season as head coach, Rodriguez lead the Mighty Oaks to the Region 19 play offs where they were eliminated in the first round. A big accomplishment for a first-year program.
This year's team is on a tear that may have never been seen here at the college. In their 14-game winning streak the team is batting a lofty 425. During the streak the Mighty Oaks have outscored their opponents 153 to 33.
Asked about the keys to the Mighty Oaks success Coach Rodriguez responded, "One thing I try and do to keep focus on the balance of having fun and knowing when it's time to key in on getting better. The switch just allows the balance of keeping the fun in the game but also developing as a player and as a person."
Currently the Mighty Oaks sit atop the division two Region 19 softball standings at 16-4 overall. It's been hard for coach to single any one player who has been a key their teams success. He sees it as a result of their team first mentality.
"We've had a few people stick out each game. I don't think anyone on our team would say differently. Our defense is making plays to help out our pitchers and our hitters pick each other up," said Rodriguez. "The energy they play with comes from all of them and we couldn't get where we are now if it wasn't for the togetherness of the team".
With their success Coach Rodriguez hopes that the program continues to grow and develop. "I'm hoping it takes the program to continue on getting recognized. Hardest thing about starting a new program that hasn't been around for a while is for people knowing there's a team at SCC and the players having fun while continuing to play the sport they love," said Rodriguez. Adding the wins to it is a bonus but seeing the players staying and succeeding will add more interest as we keep moving forward."
The Mighty Oaks have 26 games left on the schedule and look to continue their winning ways which would lead them back to the Region 19 tournament. With all of that softball left to play Coach Rodriguez is excited for what's to come.
"Best part of the season is just the amazing group we have. It's truly fun to be around. We have songs, we dance and sign to, inside jokes we laugh about and an atmosphere that makes it the best part of everyone's day," said Coach Angel. "They truly work hard, put in their extra work and stick together. But also, let them know we are going to move them in a direction to get better. We truly have a family atmosphere".