Coach, players confident program can turn around

Inheriting a program with a dismal 13-31-1 record in 2002, including a winless 0-17 conference record, is no easy task, but new softball coach Sara Hayes said she is confident she can bring change to the ailing program. With IU recently pulling off a seven run extra inning tear, Hayes might be on the right track.\nDespite a relatively unspectacular 4-6 record early in the 2003 campaign, Hayes said she can help turn the program into a national contender.\n"I bring a lot of enthusiasm and good vision. I take a lot of pride in the things that I work on and the results that I produce," Hayes said. "I intend to raise the level of competition, to be top ten of the country and to eventually contend for the national title."\nSenior Co-Big Ten Player of the Week Stormy Hanson said she has faith in her coach's lofty goals.\n"I definitely think that within the next few years, this program will be in the top 25," Hanson said. "With the recruits and the way that they're reteaching us to play the game, I believe this program will do a complete 180 in the next few years."\nHayes' claims may not be so far-fetched, as she has already orchestrated a softball program turnaround within the last two years. Her previous position as head coach at Northern Iowa brought her into a program that could only muster a sub-.500 performance prior to her tenure. \nHer accolades do not end on the field, as she also brings impressive recruiting skills and a knack for raising awareness of the Hoosier program. While at UNI, Hayes landed the top recruit in the Panthers' history and also began the "Panther Prowl," which raised alumni support for the softball team. \nHayes is also credited with an avid desire to teach others the game of softball and drive them to reach higher levels through a grounded 'one day at a time' approach.\n"She brings a lot of fun and a lot of enthusiasm about softball," Hanson said. "She teaches us to work hard and to cherish every moment and play one game at a time and to practice one day at a time."\nWith full support from staff and players alike, Hayes is sure her lofty aspirations can be accomplished with her coaching style, she said.\n"As a coach, I am determined to excel," Hayes said. "I reach for the stars and I find a way to grab them. I envision the best for everybody and also for myself, and I find a way to make that happen"