UAB softball starts back up February 12 after almost one year since COVID-19 came into the United States. Not only will returning players like Sierra Frazier, Analyse Petree and Jenna Olszewski be able to play again, but the coaching staff will be back to help their players as well.
Before the pandemic cancelled the remaining 2020 season for the Blazers, they were 15-11 in five tournaments that they played in. At the end of their season, the Blazers were on a three-game win streak looking to go further until COVID-19 emerged.
Joe Guthrie was named UAB softball’s fourth head coach during the summer as Jimmy Kolaitis took an assistant job for Arizona State’s softball team. Within his first two seasons, he worked hard to get UAB’s defense ranked third in Conference USA in 2020 and tied for second in 2019.
He was also an assistant for the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns in 2018 and spent time on the coaching staff of the Scrapyard Dogs of the National Pro Fastpitch League in 2017. Prior to that, Guthrie served as a scout for the Miami Marlins during the 2006-2007 season.
Guthrie has been an assistant coach with UAB since 2018 but is now the leader of the team.
“I miss being an assistant coach sometimes, but I’ve worked hard to get where I’m at,” said Guthrie.
Since Guthrie has been with UAB for a couple of years, he has gotten to form bonds with most the players already. However, now that he is the head coach, he will be leading the team in a different way than what the players are used too.
“I had to explain it’s a different role. I have to cover the bigger picture,” said Guthrie. “All those experiences are good. I will voice over more than I have been, and I’m excited about it.”
Sierra Fraizer is one player to keep an eye out for this season. Last season UAB played she started every game with a .329 batting average. She had 14 runs with 27 hits while also co-leading the team in home runs with four. Analyse Petree also started every game last year with a batting average of .253. Petree had 12 runs with 21 hits and lead in home runs alongside Frazier with four home runs.
When asked about what things the team is most looking forward to this year, one word came to mind.
“Competition. The one thing we couldn’t do last year we wanna do this year. We have a chance to prove an opportunity and we feel good about it”, said Guthrie.
UAB is predicted to place second in the Conference USA West division with one first-place vote by other head coaches. North Texas is currently predicated to place first with 10 first-place votes from other head coaches.
The UAB softball team will play their first games on February 12 during the Troy Tournament.
Troy Tournament
- Feb. 12, 9 a.m. vs. Mississippi
- Feb. 12, 11:30 a.m. vs. Chattanooga
- Feb. 13, 4:30 p.m. vs. Troy
- Feb. 13, 7:30 p.m. vs. Chattanooga
- Feb. 14, 11:30 a.m. vs. Belmont
