Don’t kick the hornet’s nest. That’s what opponents of the Liberty softball team will soon find out is the best approach.
“The Issaquah coaches used to say that playing us was like stepping in a hornet’s nest,” said Liberty coach Brian Hartman. “It’s the biggest compliment I’ve ever had from another coach.”
Hartman returns as head coach of the team after a three-year hiatus. It’s an understatement to say he’s brought some intensity back with him.
“I don’t really know any other way to go about it other than to be massively aggressive,” Hartman said. “I figure the hitting is going to take care of itself, the fielding is going to take care of itself, the pitching is going to take care of itself. But do we have the mentality of being the ultimate aggressors when it comes to softball?”
For Hartman, the mindset, the approach and the effort even outweigh the results in certain situations. He doesn’t mind players getting caught trying to steal a base, because it shows they’re on the track with their aggression.
And it starts even before each inning actually does. Hartman wants his team sprinting on the field before the other team can get off. After that, expect plenty of stolen-base attempts, dives on defense, and watch for the Patriots to always be looking to take the extra base.
“Let’s see how far we can push things,” Hartman said. “I want to have the most aggressive team in the state. Period.”
Hartman’s attitude is catching on with the Patriots.
“He’s very animated,” said junior Joshlynn Wolff. “He gets very loud and very fit pumpy. It shows that he definitely believes in us.”
Liberty returns plenty of talent, starting with shortstop Denise Blohowiak. Blohowiak made the first all-KingCo 3A/2A team last season. Hartman called her the best shortstop he’s ever coached, and she will hit in the heart of Liberty’s batting order. The senior is excited about the prospects of getting to state for the first time in her career.
“This is probably the strongest team I’ve had in my four years,” Blohowiak said. “In the past we’ve had really good bursts. We just need to string them together.”
Senior outfielder Ana Faoro and sophomore third baseman Liza Van Kamp are two of the team’s top slappers – quick players that swing while starting the running motion to first base – that will get on base often and cause trouble for other teams.
Other key returners are senior Taylor Weik (first base, catcher), junior Miranda Bukants (catcher), senior Amber Smith (pitcher), sophomore Jana Walker (outfielder), junior Allie Wood (outfielder) and sophomore Aleah Jaeger (pitcher, first base).
Wolff (outfielder, pitcher) heads some important newcomers, along with freshman Sidney Hopper (first base, pitcher), freshman Alyssa Wash (second base) and junior Cassandra Johnson (third base, pitcher).
Hartman is especially excited about Wolff, who returns to the varsity team after playing as a freshman.
“She’s going to surprise a lot of people,” he said. “She has a lot of speed, a lot of strength, and a certain swagger that I like in a ballplayer.”
Hartman returns to the team after stepping down as head coach three years ago.
“There’s a lot to remember,” he said. “But I’m just having a blast.”
In his previous stint as head coach, Hartman had led Liberty to state in all five of his seasons. That streak was part of a state-softball record, 12-straight trips to the state tournament for the Patriots.
Liberty missed the tournament each of the past three seasons, and while Hartman is intent on getting his team back to state, he is taking it one step at a time as the girls adjust to his style.
“Right now it’s all about process, process, process,” he said. “When we get to the playoffs we’ll talk about winning.”
Liberty was scheduled to take on Tahoma Tuesday and Kentridge Wednesday. The Patriots play Eastside Catholic at home Friday before starting their league schedule against Mount Si March 20.
