by Brent Hovey

Reporter

Aurora -- A young, energetic, first-year coach will be at the helm of the Aurora Greenmen's softball team this year.

Jaclyn Spirtos was named the head coach back in late November. She is 22 years old and a 2007 graduate of the University of Akron.

Spirtos played -- starting at catcher -- four years for the Zips. In high school, she played for the Highland Hornets near Medina.

Her only other coaching experience came last fall when she was the girls JV tennis coach at Highland.

Spirtos' name reportedly came up for the job when AHS Principal Pat Ciccantelli asked Akron softball coach Julie Jones if she had any recommendations.

"I'm excited because it's a new experience," said Spirtos. "I'm confident that with the new assistants and coaching staff we'll do well."

As excited as she is, Spirtos is equally as nervous.

"I'm not sure what to expect. It's completely different than playing," she said. "So far the girls have been amazing. We've been working and conditioning since December and they've been great."

Spirtos' first official day of practice was March 10. Since December, she has been trying to familiarize herself with the girls and their abilities.

"It's taking a while to get used to everyone," she said. "It's been a process to find out who is in what position and what they can do.

"I'M JUST going with the flow and see what happens, but at the same time following some of my own guidelines."

Spirtos replaces Terry Bartlett, who guided the Lady Greenmen to a 7-13 record last year.

Along with Spirtos, there are new coaches throughout the program.

Assisting her with the varsity team will be Sara Tervo, who played with Spirtos at Akron. She was a pitcher in college and her main responsibility with the Lady Greenmen will be handling pitchers.

"That's what she knows. That's her forte," said Spirtos.

Kevin Wilcox will lead the JV team and Suzi Siwinski will be in charge of the freshmen.

With practices finally in full swing, Spirtos is ready for the season.

"I'm just excited to get going," she said. "With the rules in place, we couldn't do too much until now. Now, I'm able to teach and coach.

"It's really exciting and I'm looking forward to seeing what they can do. We have a talented group of girls and if we coach them the right way, we'll be successful."

Aurora is scheduled to open the season April 1 at home against Streetsboro. That, of course, is subject to weather conditions.

E-mail:

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Phone: 330-688-0088 ext. 3115