story by Tristan Jackson

Just a few short months ago, Jeffersonville High School’s softball team was coach-less and unsure if they would even be playing this season.

Now, with first-year skipper Mike Coons at the helm, the team has gotten off to a 5-4 start after finishing 7-9 one season ago.

The Devils’ improvement this year has been facilitated by the play of junior 2B/SS Faith Denig, who is batting .320 on the season. Denig has also tallied nine runs and five RBIs in the team’s first nine games.

“This year we’re all adapting to a new coaching style but we’re doing pretty good,” Denig said. “Next year I really think we’ll be a competition and a threat to others.”

Denig not only brings incredible talent to the softball team, but she brings a sense of veteran leadership, as she’s been playing on the Varsity level since her freshman year.

“Her positive attitude helps us out all the time,” said junior Lindsey Nelson. “Her mentality on the field helps push other people to do things that will help us out in the long run.”

While softball is Denig’s main focus, as she has already committed to play in college at Ohio Dominican, she still finds time to man the goalie position for the girls soccer team at Jeff.

“Some nights I don’t get home until eight or later, and then I still have to stay up and do homework and then get up early again for workout and practices,” Denig said, on playing both sports. “But you have to find time if you want to do it.”

Even with a busy schedule juggling two sports, Denig also finds time to be one of the leaders in the radio and TV department for Jeff High’s radio station, 98.5 WJHI.

“Faith is one of the most hard-working students in the entire radio and TV department.” said junior Jason Monihon.

Denig has proven to be fantastic in everything she has found herself involved in her at Jeff, and that has earned her high praise from her coaches.

“Whenever you have a player like Faith who shows up everyday, plays wherever you tell her to, works hard, and never complains, that’s the type of player you want on your team,” Coons said.

Beyond high school, Denig plans on attending Ohio Dominican on a softball scholarship and majoring in business and communications. If her time at Jeff is an any indication of her future, it looks very bright.