(Harlan) Baseball and softball practices are tentatively set to begin on May 4th. When the Harlan Cyclone softball team takes the field next they’ll be under the direction of Toshia Kasperbauer.
Kasperbauer coached the Cyclones in the past, but resigned largely so she could watch her kids play. Following the resignation of Brooke Wilson, Kasperbauer is back in the Harlan dugout. “What led me back is the girls that are out there that I have been with for many years. I love the game. The toughest decision for me this year was also having a son that plays baseball and I am not a parent that likes to split my time, but sometimes you have to do what is best and I guess that is my calling this year.”
After resigning from the varsity coaching role in 2012, Kasperbauer continued coaching at various levels. “I’m not having to start fresh. I’ve had these girls many years with travel ball before they moved up to high school. We don’t need to learn the ropes of each other or who does what or anything like that.”
The team went 28-8 last year and returns every player except for all-state selection Morgan Schaben. “They have high expectations for the season. You don’t want to hold them back from those expectation. The good thing about it is I have a hard working group here. They are going to what they need to do to make sure they reach those goals. They were conference champs last year so I know that’s what they want to strive for.”
