For over two decades, Thomas Ryan coached the PHSC softball team. During that time, he prepared many students for advancement in their sporting career through a positive and well-balanced environment.
Starting the 2019 Fall season, Stephen Mumaw and Assistant Coach Jeri Loffler are stepping into those roles; however, they are not new to the PHSC environment.
Mumaw’s daughter, Dana, played softball under coach Ryan as well as Jeri.
Jeri Loffler, a 2014 PHSC graduate, finished her softball career at Newberry College. She taught at Hudson High for three years and coached softball.
“Honestly, it’s a dream come true,” Loffler said. “It’s how much this game has given me, I wanted to give back to the girls. I am really excited for this team.”
With years of softball experience, Loffler brings a personal and professional connection. She can relate to these girls. She also knows what they will face at the beginning of their softball career. She knows the field, she knows the expectations, and she knows how much heart goes into the game.
“Having the girls understand, I know what they are going through, and my door will always open,” Loffler said. “The talent here and how much these girls bond is incredible, just in a matter of three months, the only way is to go up.”
Stephen Mumaw began coaching his daughter’s softball team at Wesley Chapel back in 2016. His daughter Dana proceeded to PHSC as an infielder under the direction of coach Ryan back in 2018.
“I was familiar with the team, watching what they have done. They (the previous coaches) built a great program here for so many years,” coach Mumaw said.
Coach Mumaw is utilizing this time to learn about the players, while the sophomores adapt to the new coaches.
“I am taking what I have learned from my whole life in baseball and softball and putting it together, so it gives them the best opportunity to be successful on the softball field.”
“I am trying to maintain what Coach Ryan did but also build it and continue to go on. He did a tremendous job; you can see it in the sophomore’s spirit. They know how to play a game; they’ve been taught correctly,” coach Mumaw said.
