Over the past decade, Wachusett has been known as a softball powerhouse, following a state championship in 2019.
“Our schedule is about the same as it has been. We added two new teams to it [the schedule] that are pretty good,” said senior Kendall Grady, who has committed to Holy Cross for softball. “Throughout my years here we have been top four in the MIAA power rankings, and made it to the final four my freshman and junior years.”
But this season brings a major challenge – playing with the absence of Jay Lanpher, who had been the head varsity coach since the 2018 season.
Administration held interviews for this position in late December.
“In this case we just had the same hiring process as usual. There was a committee of students, players, and teachers to determine who would be the best candidate for the position” said principal Michael Pratt.
One candidate stood out over the rest – former softball captain and current Physical Education teacher, Kathryn Putnam.
“Ms. Putnam offers a seamless transition for the upcoming season. Having a coach that is a figure in the building is a very valuable thing,” said Pratt. “She is well respected and will continue the understanding of Wachusett as a powerhouse softball program.”
Grady agreed with Putnam’s appointment.
“She [Kathryn Putnam] is definitely the best option given the circumstances,” said Grady.
Other Mountaineer athletes echoed the same opinion.
“Given the interesting situation I do really believe that Miss. Putnam gives us the best chance at a seamless transition,” said senior Shayna Bakun, who has committed to play softball at Westfield State.
The head coach oversees the entire program, including the instruction provided to student-athletes.
“I’m proud to say that I’m the coach for Wachusett softball. It’s the greatest privilege to make connections with these girls,” said Putnam, “I’m really lucky to have these strong relationships with the players.”
Despite the positive accolades for Putnam, varsity softball players took issue with the manner in which they learned of the change in coaching staff.
“I found out by my mom showing me an advertisement online for the [head coach] position,” said Bakun. “It was a shock, especially to find out like that.”
Other players also learned of Lanpher’s departure when they read the job posting.
“I also found out the news from the online advertisement,” said sophomore and varsity softball player Teegan Lanpher. “A teammate’s mom had sent it to me.”
Despite the growing confusion, it still left some players totally unaware of their coach’s pending dismissal.
“I think it was one of my teachers who brought the question to me first and asked if it was true our coach wouldn’t be here this year. I had responded to him saying I had no idea about that. I texted some of my teammates to find out it was true and they were all just as confused. I was surprised and disappointed that we, the players, were last to know. Especially as a captain,” said senior Tiegan Walsh, who committed to play softball at Umass Amherst.
With a new coach at the helm for the upcoming season, other teams in the area might question if Wachusett will remain a top powerhouse in Massachusetts.
“Of course our rivals know about it,” said Walsh.
The Mountaineers however, feel quite the opposite.
“Despite the situation I’m really excited because I feel it [the coaching change] lit a fire under our butt, to make us do really well,” said Walsh.“When we do make a deep playoff run or even win it, which I feel we have a really good chance to do, it will make it that much better.”
Coach Putnam said she hopes to keep the winning tradition alive.
“This season is about being all in and how we play on the field. The girls have all the talent in the world. I just believe in them,” said Putnam.
For Putnam, who was captain of the 2015 undefeated varsity team, taking on this new role means more than just a simple coaching position.
“It’s home,” said Putnam. “It’s much more than just a group of girls coming together to play softball. That’s why it’s so fitting that every senior night, our seniors run around the bases, cheered on by their family, coaches and teammates. They are coming home, their forever home, Wachusett Softball”.
