We believe there’s something more important than just winning or losing a tournament. We believe that the team, school, and fans who support their athletes with dignity and class are the true champions. That’s why we’ve proudly sponsored the WIAA/Rural Mutual Insurance Sportsmanship Award for 54 years.
We would like to congratulate Mishicot on being this year’s recipient of the Softball Sportsmanship award. It is the first time Mishicot has been chosen as the recipient of the award.
Comments from Coach Krueger
When talking with Head Coach, Dawn Krueger, we asked her what this award meant to her as a coach, the team and community…
In many ways winning the Sportsmanship Award is an even higher honor than winning the State Tournament. It symbolizes not only are the players talented on the softball field; but more importantly are kind and humble individuals who display true character.
I am proud of the respect the players showed to their teammates, opponents, and officials. As a team we were proud to represent the Mishicot School District and the Mishicot Community.
Not only does this award represent the team but it represents the work ethic, perseverance, and dedication shown by the community of Mishicot and surrounding areas. A strong work ethic, being respectful and humble, and appreciating all the opportunities given to us as a team and community have pushed this team to be so successful and ultimately win this award.
As a coach I try to lead by example. Through my practices I emphasize the importance of hard work and never taking any opponent lightly. I will push the players to correct their faults, but I will also praise their accomplishments and let them know how proud of them I am. We need to have trust in each other.
Throughout the season we also stress the importance of team over individual accomplishments. Being humble and appreciating all opportunities given and success attained is critical to long lasting success.
My athletes also form connections with the youth softball players in the district. Every varsity player is partnered with an 8u player and they become softball “buddies”. They write letters to each other, have lunch dates, and the 8u are recognized at a Varsity Softball Game during the national anthem. The varsity players also have relationships with the older youth through ice cream socials, scavenger hunts, and youth nights at the Varsity Softball Games. All these activities form a strong bond of leadership, pride, and passion for the sport they love. The varsity players know that they are role models and looked up to. They work hard to fulfill that role and be a strong role model athletically, academically, and socially.
The team is so thankful for the support they have received from the entire Mishicot Community!
Congratulations!
Coach Krueger has been coaching for 7 years. Her favorite part of coaching is seeing the growth of each player athletically and to see the confidence gained through their success. She also enjoys the memories made on the field but also at practice and on the bus rides home.
Congratulations again on a great season and winning the WIAA/Rural Mutual Sportsmanship award. This is a great achievement for the Mishicot community.
