Ben Maggard on the softball field. Photo credits: Watauga Yearbook
Softball season is quickly approaching, pre-season workouts and new team members along with it. These new teammates have to adjust to a new environment and training from multiple coaches. Ben Maggard is a Watauga High School history teacher, and, after four years of being the assistant coach, he is now the head coach for the Watauga Softball Team for the 2023-24 season.
Maggard has known for years that he would like to coach baseball or softball, and his now-wife led him to our school to assist in coaching, a position in which he has excelled.
“I decided in college that I wanted to coach baseball or softball and I always found softball to be quicker-paced and more interesting to watch,” Maggard explained. “ I felt that, for me, softball was the better option to begin my coaching career.”
While growing up, Maggard became extremely experienced in baseball, softball, and coaching. He has coached a few different teams on his own, and then spent several seasons as an assistant coach for the high school softball team.
“I have the 4 seasons of being an assistant coach at the high school level, a season as the summer legion head coach, and then a season as the 14U “Boonies” head coach,” Maggard said.
Maggard is not only an experienced coach, he spent his childhood involved in both baseball and softball communities.
“I grew up playing baseball. I have a sister who played softball, so when I wasn't playing baseball, I was watching her softball games,” Maggard said. “Baseball and softball are very different in some aspects, but the fundamentals are the same.”
Maggard deeply enjoys coaching softball and building connections with his team while teaching new skills and shaping quality players.
“My favorite things about coaching are the connections you make with the players and the trust you build in each other,” Maggard said. “ I also love working with coachable players and seeing their improvements on and off the field.”
Although coaching has become one of Maggard's favorite activities, he still has challenges he must overcome that can test the team as a whole.
“Getting players adjusted to the new system and new way of doing things is difficult,” said Maggard. “Every coach is different, so I believe that when change happens, it is tough on the players at first.”
Even though coaching can be taxing, Maggard finds ways to confront challenges and build a well-rounded team. He believes nothing is more important than teamwork and bonding.
“Having team chemistry is crucial for success on the field,” Maggard said. “With team chemistry comes a sense of trust in the team and an understanding that all players are trying their best each and every play or practice.”
An additional change this season is the introduction of a Junior Varsity Softball team. It is clear that more people seem to be getting interested in softball, and Maggard is excited to get both teams’ seasons started.
“There is a lot to be excited about. We have a lot of talent spread across all 4 grade levels,” said Maggard. ”We have a very talented returning Varsity Team, and we have a big talented group of incoming freshmen. I am just excited to get the season started and get out there and compete.”
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