AUSTINTOWN, OH-  Austintown has long been known for its robust youth sports programs, but it’s the Austintown Fitch Falcons softball team that has recently captured the spotlight, thanks to their extraordinary success under the guidance of Coach Steve Ward. In the latest episode of the Austintown Fitch Coach’s Corner, hosts DJ Yokley, Sam Torres, and Mike Swinhart sat down with Coach Ward to discuss the team’s back-to-back state championships and the culture driving their success.

Discussing the recent state title, Ward expressed that his team approached the season with determination and a bit of a “chip on our shoulder.” Reflecting on the mindset, he says, “We went in, believe it or not, with a little bit of a chip on our shoulder… Our girls just said, okay, bet we’re gonna run it back.” This mentality propelled the team through an unforgettable season that culminated in another state championship.

When asked about the unique challenges of coaching at the high school level, Ward emphasized the importance of emotional and mental development. “Our biggest thing is the mental approach, the emotional approach… if we’re not connecting with these kids, if we’re not raising these kids up… then the physical side, I don’t worry about it so much.”
Ward’s approach underscores the significance of coaching beyond just athletic skills, cultivating a supportive atmosphere where each player is valued for their contributions both on and off the field.

One unique aspect of Ward’s coaching tenure is his knack for harnessing generational talents. He candidly shared a story about Sydney, a standout player who insisted on calling her own pitches. Initially reluctant, Ward eventually yielded, a decision validated by her extraordinary performance. “First game she does it. Perfect game, right? Yeah… What an idiot I am to wait this long.”
These anecdotes highlight Ward’s willingness to adapt and recognize the potential for players to take ownership of their development—traits that mark great coaches.

The conversation also delved into how the Austintown community has rallied around the softball program. Ward noted, “We’re turning Austintown into a softball community… Just the community members recognizing it, recognizing our players, knowing their names and asking questions about them. Like, that is so humbling.”
It’s clear that the team’s success goes beyond the diamond, engendering a sense of pride and unity within the community. Ward believes that this holistic support is foundational for sustained excellence, not just for the varsity team but for aspiring young athletes throughout the town.

Leadership is another crucial element of Fitch Falcons’ winning culture. Ward articulated the importance of shared leadership, stating, “Everybody has found their spot to lead, and everybody brings something different to the table, and everybody respects what the other person brings.”
This balanced leadership has been instrumental in creating a cohesive unit that’s greater than the sum of its parts, fostering a supportive and driven environment for everyone involved.

Ward’s influence doesn’t stop with his current roster. He and his coaching staff engage with younger players and even other community coaches, sowing the seeds for future success. He explained, “Had a coach from Springfield Reach out. Hey, Coach, can you help us out? We want to do some weight training… For us in Austintown, our coaching staff and everybody, we’re going to try and leave a whole loaf for them.”
This commitment to developing future generations demonstrates Ward’s dedication to not just winning, but building a lasting legacy of excellence.

Coach Steve Ward’s leadership embodies the essence of what makes high school sports so transformative: a relentless pursuit of excellence, balanced with compassion and community engagement. His story is a testament to the power of sports to bring people together and cultivate future leaders. As Ward succinctly puts it, “If we’re not gonna have fun, what’s the point?”

To catch the full interview with Coach Steve Ward and learn more about the remarkable Austintown Fitch Falcons softball team, tune into the latest episode of the Coach’s Corner. You won’t want to miss it!
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