Michigan State University Athletics
Gaining Confidence, The Insight Of A Professional
4/3/2006 12:00:00 AM | Softball
EAST LANSING, Mich. -
April 3, 2006
EAST LANSING, Mich. - Role models in the collegiate athletic arena can be found in several places. Many times a veteran member of the team may be looked to for guidance, though in the case of the Green and White pitching staff, assistant coach Nikki Myers fills that role.
 Assistant Coach Nikki Myers  | |
Not every Division I collegiate softball program has an All-American coach on its staff, especially a two-time All-American who currently ranks fourth in NCAA history with 1,376 career strikeouts. Nikki Myers is just that. Myers led the 2002 Florida Atlantic University Owls to a 62-13 record during her senior season, a national best, and received Louisville Slugger/NFCA Second Team All-American honors for the second consecutive year. Myers continued her softball career competing for the Akron Racers of the National Pro Fastpitch League, and in 2004 was given an opportunity to join the Michigan State coaching staff under nationally-respected head coach Jacquie Joseph.
With such a highly touted resume, it would be easy for Myers to rest on her laurels, yet her playing career simply laid a foundation for future coaching success.
"The fact that I won awards during my career and have had the opportunity to play professionally doesn't affect my coaching style," Myers said. "Pitching in the pro's has helped to keep my fundamentals and knowledge up-to-date in game situations. Coaching has definitely helped me become a better player and shown me how to respect the game.
"Being a role model, especially for the pitchers, is part of being a coach, but my relationship is based on respect - mutual respect - not my past experiences. As a staff we know our roles and leadership qualities. When I approach the pitchers I am stern, but I enjoy the experience of helping them develop their skills."
Competing in a conference that may see its most competitive year ever, the Spartans sense heightened pressure as the Big Ten portion of the season begins. Three pitchers make up the 2006 Spartan rotation: junior Rachel Turney, sophomore Lesley Noel and freshman Megan Hair. The eldest pitcher of the group, Turney is aware of Myers' past success and uses that as motivation.
 | |
"I look at my opportunity to play for Coach Myers as such an honor," Turney commented. "Knowing that I'm learning from one of the best makes me strive that much harder to improve. I look at her honors and success during her career as motivation to reach my goals as a Spartan.
"She was so successful at FAU and brings that same intensity to the field as a coach. I have to admit that I was awestruck at first, but she has so much to teach, and made me feel comfortable right away."
After posting an 8-5 record during her freshman season in 2005, Lesley Noel is enjoying a breakout sophomore campaign. On pace to improve in every statistical category from a year ago, she feels the mental tools she's gained have been key in her performance.
"Coach Myers has taught me about myself as a pitcher, especially how to build my confidence. She also works so well with the entire coaching staff and plays her part. She has shown me that by working ahead I can be successful in any situation," Noel said.
 | |
"Not everyone has the opportunity to play under a coach who can relate like Coach Myers can. When I'm in trouble on the field, or even at practice, she helps me find a way through the situation."
Myers' confidence in her own ability is an aspect of the game she tries to convey to the Spartan pitching staff.
"The expectations from my teammates and coaches were high, but my goals for myself were always much higher," she said. "In college, I approached the game with confidence, both mentally and physically, which is what I am trying to instill in the players I coach today. If the physical aspect of the game is struggling, let your mental strength pull you through."
Megan Hair came to Michigan State with strong talent and a willingness to learn, yet the transition proved tough. A native of California, not only did she move a considerable distance from home, she also made the transition from club softball to collegiate competition.
"I've really learned this year to stay grounded and trust my teammates," Hair said. "Defense plays such a big role at the college level, I don't always have to make the play. Pitching is like two hours of constant pressure, I just try to focus on doing my part. Coach Myers has taught me how to succeed in any game situation I might face."
Hair made her first start as a Spartan against Seton Hall on Feb. 17 in Greenville, N.C. After walking three batters in a difficult first inning, she looked to her coaches for advice.
"I was so nervous when the coaches told me I was starting against Seton Hall. I didn't expect to start, and I think that was obvious on the field," Hair commented. "My teammates pulled me through that first inning, and Coach Myers told me to control my emotions and pitch to my potential the rest of the game. More than anything Coach Myers has helped me overcome mental and physical situations and gain confidence in my own ability."
 | |
Pitch to her potential she did, as Hair allowed just three base runners the remaining six innings in her first victory as a Spartan.
Many look at the beginning of conference play as a `second season,' the opportunity for improvement and maturity. Posting one of the best starts in recent years, the Spartans look at the 2006 Big Ten campaign as an opportunity to compete among some of the nation's top teams.
"As a staff we have stressed the importance of peaking at the right time throughout a season. We use our early tournaments to set our line-up, discuss what needs improvement and address those concerns," Myers said. "I encourage the pitching staff to approach every game the same, approach every game as if it were the most important game of your life, because one day it just might be."
Throughout the career of an athlete, whether it be in a parks and recreation league or at the professional level, strong leaders play an important role in the development of knowledge and skill. The Spartan pitching crew continues to improve through the guidance of pitching coach Nikki Myers and a growing sense of self-confidence and self-respect.
Through the first weekend of Big Ten play, Michigan State is one of three unbeaten teams after sweeping Minnesota on April 1. The Spartans host Oakland University in a doubleheader on April 4, and resume conference action vs. Purdue (April 7/8) and Indiana (April 9).
