Trzaska keeps working as ECHS softball coach

No one would have blamed Effingham County softball coach Jane Trzaska if she took a little time off after last season to admire her work.

The first-year coach directed the Rebels to a 25-5 record, an undefeated region championship, a No. 6 ranking in the state polls and advanced the team to the second round of the Class 6A state tournament.

She was named the Savannah Morning News’ 2019 All-Greater Savannah Softball Coach of the Year.

But that was last year.

“There are still things I’m learning,” Trzaska said. “I went to clinics over the winter and spring, so I’m trying to add (new ideas) to our culture as well. I definitely feel more prepared this year.”

Closed facilities because of concerns spreading COVID-19 haven’t helped preparations. High school softball teams usually play a few games during the summer, but this year, in accordance with Georgia High School Association guidelines, teams weren’t allowed to get together for conditioning until June 8.

The players weren’t allowed to work out with softballs until June 22.

And unlike football, the softball season wasn’t moved back two weeks. The Rebels open their season Friday at Brantley County.

“There were so many guidelines on what we could and couldn’t do,” Trzaska said. “Everything that we would have spread over the summer we’re doing now. We’ve had less practice time, that’s why everything seems to be in a rush.”

ECHS returns a solid nucleus led by Addie Reynolds, the 2019 All-Greater Savannah Player of the Year who hit .490 a year ago.

Senior Julia Carter and sophomore Rylee Mills give the Rebels a strong one-two pitching punch. At the end of 2019, the team had a three-four offensive punch with Caleigh Eubanks and Morgan Coleman in the lineup.

ECHS lost five college-bound starters -- Sydney Newberry (Georgia College), Jaci Coleman (USC Beaufort), Francie Gaskin (USC Beaufort), Ashley Wilson (Brewton-Parker) and Hilarie Jackson (East Georgia State College).

But Trzaska, who brought a wealth of talent to ECHS after starring as a pitcher at Armstrong State University, enters Year Two as if she’s going through an opponent’s batting order for the second time.

“I have a little more of an idea of what to expect and what needs to be done,” Trzaska said. “It’s a whole new group of girls so you know what you want to do but once you see them, it shapes what you can do. We have young talent coming up so we’ll see where it can take us. They’re working hard soaking up information and we’ve seen improvement so it’s exciting.”