Godwin’s softball prepares for success with a new face on the field

Stepping up to the plate with a proven track record of championship victories, Godwin’s new softball coach and business teacher, Nikole Jones, brings a winning mentality formed through years of coaching and playing experience.

Jones started playing ball at the young age of five up until 2014 after she graduated college, as well as when she got her first job to coach softball at Norfolk Baseball Academy.

 She has nine years of coaching experience at four places previously before getting the coaching job here at Godwin. While coaching, she has won a total of eight awards and tournaments combined. 

Jones holds a deep connection to softball, with a profound desire to contribute to Godwin’s program in any way possible, which prompted her to apply for the head coach position without hesitation when the opportunity arose.

“Softball has always been a huge part of my life, and I wanted to be a part of the program in any capacity, so when the opportunity to become the head coach came about, I did not hesitate to apply for the job,” said Jones.

As a Godwin teacher during the day, she supports her athletes as much as she can, understanding that school always comes first. “When representing your school as an athlete, there is a reason that you are called a student-athlete. “Student” will always come first,” said Jones.

Being true to herself, Jones will use her past coaching and playing experiences, along with her personality to connect with the players themselves along with the parents. “By being myself, I will let my previous coaching experience, collegiate playing experience and personality speak for themselves,” said Jones.

Since Godwin’s softball team made it all the way to the regional semi-finals last year, Jones hopes that the players’ success will come forward and provide more motivation for this upcoming season.

As the new season approaches, Jones is filled with anticipation and sets high expectations for the team. Her coaching philosophy revolves around success, not just in terms of wins and losses, but also in the personal development of each player.

“I am excited for this season, and I have very high expectations of the team. Success is my only goal, on and off the field,” said Jones.

Under the guidance of Jones, Godwin’s softball team is set to embark on a new season, led by a coach who recognizes that success extends beyond mere victories. As the games progress, we expect to witness not only achievements on the scoreboard but also the growth and development of student-athletes.