Whitehall head softball coach Jeff Vivian will be truly relishing watching senior shortstop Josie Shultz play her game and guide her team this season.

“I have played with and coached some good athletes, and Josie Shultz is at the top of that list,” gushed Vivian recently. “Her footwork and arm slots are unmatched. She just makes the most difficult plays look routine and that makes everyone around her more comfortable defensively.”

She is one of three returning seniors for Whitehall this season, after the Zephyrs posted an overall 14-8 campaign last season, Whitehall has stormed out to a good start, outsourcing their opponents 34-0 in the first three games in the process.

Shultz believed the team’s annual Myrtle Beach trip proved to be beneficial.

“Myrtle Beach was another great experience for the team to bond and get a shared understanding of how the field dynamic will look and feel this coming season,” stated Shultz. “Heading down south for spring training just gives everyone more opportunities to improve before the season begins and be put in game situations to further what we worked on in the offseason.”

Shultz, who is headed to Slippery Rock in the fall on a field hockey scholarship, also was proud of the busy offseason she and her teammates experienced.

“Our offseason consisted of lifting sessions, defensive work on turf at St. Luke’s Sports Center, pitching sessions, and hitting work with tees and batting cages,” explained Schultz. “Although it may be similar to previous years, we have a group of hard-working girls that took advantage of that time to work and fail in those settings so less failure will appear during the season.”

Looking at the big picture, Shultz knew there would be some adjustments ahead. She hit .417 last season.

“This season will alter from last year’s due to the replacement of the graduated seniors,” noted Shultz. “We’ve had to make arrangements in the outfield and some infield positions. Although we have mostly underclassmen filling those roles, our Myrtle trip and first few games have displayed how well we all mold together as one team.”

Vivian will look to Shultz’s leadership and experience this season. He has seen a steady climb in her game over the past few years.

“I remember when she came in as a freshman ... very nervous kid,” said Vivian. “By her sophomore year that had changed. And now as a senior provides so much leadership to the underclassmen with the way she carries herself.

“Offensively she can influence the game in so many different ways. She can play the small game. She can put the ball in the gaps with some pop. She has great bat speed, and great base running. She is the most complete player I have coached. I know she opted to play field hockey in college, but I think softball is her best sport.”

Schultz realizes it is her final campaign, and he wants to make the most of it.

“Heading into my senior year of Whitehall softball, I may approach my game differently due to it being my last few moments of the game. With this in mind, I feel that my play will be even more devoted to the team, working hard for the teammates beside me.”