New Coach and Softball Team Doing Well Mid-Season

Bonners Ferry High School got a "two-fer" when Megan Havercroft was hired. Not only is this Rathdrum native a U.S. History, sociology and leadership teacher, she is the new softball coach as well.

BFSH Softball Team With Coaches Megan Havercroft And Jamie Porter.

Megan has played softball since she was in second grade. She played on recreation teams and traveling summer teams, and as she got older, played on the varsity team for the Lakeland High School Hawks. She started coaching during her sophomore year at the University of Idaho while playing on intramural and club teams. She said she was hired at Bonners Ferry High School for the teaching position first, then went through a separate interview process to obtain the head coaching position.

"It's been a ride, but good," Megan said.

Megan has a simple coaching philosophy, which she plans to implement during her first season as a head coach.

"Teamwork and improvement," she said. "It's all about sportsmanship. Winning and losing will take care of itself if we're focused on the fundamentals."

Megan has been impressed with the caliber of the players she has on her team. Although a young team consisting of two seniors, one junior, four sophomores and seven freshmen, she said they are an upbeat group of girls who are very positive and coachable.

"They are willing to try anything I suggest," she said. "It is nice to have a team that is willing to get better, and they have improved a lot in the month we have been practicing. There wasn't a youth program here for a long time and many of these girls have never played competitive softball before. I've seen huge strides in their abilities."

Practices for the team started in the cold month of February. They worked in the gym for a long period until the weather warmed up enough so they could go outside, and they still have to contend with the changeable spring elements. So far, they have played ten games. They will compete in 14 more before the season ends in late April.

Megan cites parental support as a key component in her program.

"They've been awesome," she said. "They help at practice, drag our field and have donated equipment. It's been great to come into such a positive environment with such supportive parents, especially as a new coach."

Assistant coach Jamie Porter has been involved with the softball program for many years. Megan said that he has been very helpful to her. He is also very knowledgeable about the game.
Jamie is very enthusiastic about the girls and the team.

"We're young and we're going in the right direction," he said.

Co-captain Ashley Gilbertson, a senior, thinks that although the team is young, once they practice more, they will be excellent and can definitely go to state.

Co-captain Caitlin Clausen is equally positive.

"There is a lot of potential," she said. "We just need to find our peak and stay with it."

Megan is looking forward to building the Badger softball team into a strong athletic program in the years to come.

"The team reminds me of a spring garden," she said. "They are developing constantly. I can actually see them growing every day."