By Joanna Chadwick
Derby softball assistant coach Austen Hilt has been around the game her whole life, so when she was called on to get back into coaching last year, it was only right that she returned to coach alongside longtime Derby head coach Christy Weve.
“Softball has been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember,” Hilt said. “I played growing up, including for Weve at Derby, then went on to play in college. Some of my best memories and biggest life lessons came from the game. Coming back to coach was a way for me to give back to a program and a sport that shaped who I am today. I’m passionate about helping young athletes grow both on and off the field.”
Going from player to coach is never easy, no matter how many years in between, but for Hilt, she made a seamless transition.
“The biggest difference is learning how much happens behind the scenes,” she said. “As a player, you focus on your own performance and your team, but as a coach, you’re thinking about every individual player, the team as a whole, strategy, development and the overall culture you’re helping to build. It’s a different kind of responsibility, but it’s incredibly rewarding.”
In her first year, the Panthers finished 24-5 and made yet another state tournament. Now in Year two, Hilt and the Panthers expect to be even better.
“It’s an exciting time for Derby Softball, and we’re proud of what this team is building on and off the field,” Hilt said. “We have to stay focused on the little things, the details that separate good teams from great teams. Consistency in execution, strong defense, quality at-bats, and trusting each other will be key. If we continue to grow and play for each other, we believe we have what it takes to compete at a high level and make a run at state.”
