Norman-Melanson to lead Braves softball
By Rob Kelley
Assistant Sports Editor
Norman-Melanson replaces former coach, Steve Johnson, who left UNCP this offseason to pursue other coaching opportunities at Southeastern Conference power, Auburn University.
Norman-Melanson worked as a assistant softball coach at University of Louisiana-Monroe for three seasons before becoming a Brave.
“I’ve had a wonderful experience so far. It’s been very encouraging,” she said.
Norman-Melanson inherits a team stocked with talent and returning starters. Only three players graduated from last year’s team, but Norman-Melanson doesn’t feel that there is any additional pressure as the Braves’ new coach. “I typically put a lot of pressure on myself from the beginning and I’m a perfectionist,” Norman-Melanson said. “I do feel some pressure and would expect no less than what the team has accomplished in the past.”
Norman-Melanson is ready for the challenge of staying at the top of the PBC, a welcomed change at UNCP.
“I also feel that with the ladies I’m working with and the program’ athletic department, I have the tools necessary to be just as successful if not more,” Norman-Melanson said.
The first-year coach is trying a fresh, unique approach to the upcoming season by having open try outs. “In the past, I have seen in small communities that sometimes there are young ladies that don’t get proper exposure to college coaches and can sometimes resent not being looked at,” she said.
“Open tryouts is a way for anyone who is enrolled full-time that thinks they can play at this level to come and show us what they got,” she said. Depending on team need, Norman-Melanson said different players can fit numerous roles other than a starting position.
“If there is someone that is tremendously fast but maybe doesn’t have other tools of the game, we could still utilize them as a pinch runner,” Norman-Melanson said.
She is already antsy for the season to get underway, but also knows that there are high expectations for Braves softball for the first time in recent memory.
“The best teacher of life is experience and these ladies already have it. The sophomores now got a taste of it last season, and hopefully, it makes them even hungrier for more,” Norman-Melanson said.
“I expect them to be a little more mature and use what they learned last year,” Norman-Melanson said. Under the radar Norman-Melanson hopes that fans are excited about this season as much as she and the players are.
“I hope there is a silent buzz surrounding this team this year. I hope that the work ethic off the field translates to success on the field,” she added. The Braves finished last season with a 46-14 record while winning their first ever Peach Belt Conference title and owning a long winning streak.
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