Just a glimpse at practice can give one a feel for Jodi Hermanek's coaching style.
Hermanek, who came to Ohio this summer after four years at Southern Utah University, is all business.
She's about getting the job done in practice
said junior first baseman Deanna Hartsough. She's very aggressive as a coach and always wants us in motion and not walking during practice.
Hermanek got the job after former coach Jill Matyuch left to work closer to home in southern California.
The first-year coach knew the opportunities that opened to her when she took the job.
I didn't think twice about it Hermanek said. It was emotional and hard to say good-bye to my former team but I was also eager and optimistic to start with a new page.
Hermanek said that the size and opportunities at a school like Ohio is what enticed her to take the job, even though she had built a solid program at Southern Utah.
Hermanek had led the Thunderbirds to two NCAA tournament appearances - the school's first-ever appearances in the tournament.
It's a promotion in all areas
Hermanek said. I see it as climbing higher on the ladder in the career path I hope to achieve.
One might think that a coaching change would cause some discord among the players, but the Bobcats have accepted Hermanek.
I was excited about it since we would be getting a younger coach to deal with us
said junior outfielder Shalene Petrich. Change can be good and she's already come in and made a difference already.
After doing so well at Southern Utah, Hermanek says she has high hopes for Ohio. She hopes to improve upon the Bobcats' Mid-American Conference Championship appearance last year.
This program is built on winning
Hermanek said. Since I've gotten here
I've stressed that we need to last until June
which is when postseason play begins.
It will be a challenge, but it's not unrealistic.
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