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Patriots open new ballpark, welcome six newcomers this season
From the moment that the 2009 George Mason softball team takes the field for the first time, the Patriots will have a sense of change and newness that surrounds them, and head coach Joe Verbanic believes that will be the key to laying the foundation for the future.
Verbanic, in his fifth season at the helm, will oversee a lineup that welcomes nine newcomers to the team while six returnees will anchor the Mason lineup. Most visible among the changes for 2009 is the opening of the Patriots' state-of-the-art home ballpark.
Among the returnees who will help usher in the new era of Mason softball, none stands out more than junior pitcher Becky Anderson, the staff ace who set a school record last year with 36 appearances. Anderson, who won 14 games including five shutouts while compiling a 1.95 ERA for the Patriots in 2008, is a force in the pitcher's circle who can deliver nearly every time she takes the field.
Mason features two seniors on the roster in outfielders Ali Bryan and Meghan Hill. Bryan's experience and Hill's determination are two of the qualities which Verbanic most values in his senior leaders.
Rounding out the returning corps of players are redshirt sophomore Kate Bustin, and sophomores Stephanie Strother and Kara Weiner. While each saw limited action last season, the wide-open nature of the Patriots' lineup will give each player a chance to compete for a starting spot.
Among the newcomers, Verbanic feels that they comprise the strongest freshman class since he has been a part of the Patriots, and highlights the infielder trio of Alyssa See, Rachael Davies and Tori Dudley as an excellent addition. Verbanic also sees Miranda Cranford, Anush Mooradian and Morgan Davis as three to watch for their offensive power. The addition of Cranford along with Brianne Pease to the pitching staff will bring some much needed depth as well.
All together, the foundation that Verbanic hopes to build on in 2009 will position the Patriots for a run to the postseason now and in years to come.
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Joe Verbanic
Head Coach: George Mason University
Verbanic brings with him more than 20 years combined coaching experience at both the collegiate and high school levels. Most recently, Verbanic was at Alta Vista High School (1986-2004) where he taught several courses, including physical education, weights & fitness training and Life Skills. Additionally, Verbanic served as an assistant to the San Diego State coaching staff at the same time.
The past three seasons have been rebuilding years for the Patriots, though there were many highlights for the Patriots in 2007. Freshman Becky Anderson became the second Mason player under Verbanic to earn All-CAA first team honors, as well as the first to win Rookie of the Year in Verbanic's tenure in Fairfax. The Patriots, meanwhile, more than doubled their win total from the year before. Mason closed the season winning four of its last five, including series victories over CAA foes Delaware and Drexel. In addition, Mason compiled a 9-4 record at home against non-conference opponents. In 2006, Mason had a very young team and finished eighth among Colonial Athletic Association schools. The Patriots took two games from CAA foe James Madison in the middle of April and also split with cross-town rival, Georgetown.
In Verbanic's first season with Mason (2005), he guided a roster of one senior, one sophomore and 12 first-year Division I players to an overall record of 22-31. During this season, Mason claimed a historic win over Hofstra, as the Patriots had never defeated the Pride prior to the 12-11 win on April 3. Verbanic coached two conference all-rookie honorees in Emily Grapel and Katlyn Winter, while Stacy James earned All-CAA First Team honors for the third year.
From 1998-2003, Verbanic served as an assistant coach at San Diego State University, where he played a lead role in recruiting. During his stint with SDSU, the Aztecs were Mountain West Conference Champions twice (2002 & 2003) and were also participants in the NCAA Division I Regional twice (2001 & 2003). In addition, Verbanic coordinated field maintenance and participated in the new field/stadium planning and development efforts while with the Aztecs. Prior to SDSU, Verbanic served as an assistant coach at Palomar Community College in San Marcos, Calif. (1994-98).
Verbanic was also the head coach of the `California Players' women's major team, which included the likes of Laura Berg, Leah O'Brien and Nancy Evans. This squad ended up finishing third at the 1998 Women's Major National. In addition, Verbanic led the North County `Elite' team to the championship game of the ASA Southern California State Tournament in 1993, as well as a berth to the ASA National Tournament in Chattanooga, Tenn.
Verbanic played fast-pitch softball from 1982-1994 with the Vista Bombers, which placed second at the ASA "A" Nationals in 1991 while also qualifying for the ISC World Tournamennt from 1989-94. In addition, Verbanic was a three-time member of the Western Softball Congress All-Star squad.
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GMU Camp FAQs
Q. What should I bring to a typical softball camp?
A. For normal softball camps, you come like you would be going to practice or game. Softball glove, bat, hat, uniform and helmet, if you have one.
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Q. How old do you have to be to attend a College Softball Camp or Clinic?
A. Each College Softball Camp usually has camps for youth and then High School camps. Check the school of choice to see the different options available.
Q. When should I start to go to College Softball Camps?
A. The earlier the better! The younger you can get started to be fundamentally sound the better. It's also great to have the College Softball Coaches know who you are when you are 10 and then they see you again at 16 and say, I remember that girl. Man, she can really play.
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