Angie Churchill ushering in new era of Seton Hall softball
SOUTH ORANGE, N.J. (BVM) – Following the 2020-21 season, it was obvious the Seton Hall softball team needed to go into a different direction with their head coach. Paige Smith had done a profound job rebuilding the Pirates, leading them to two Big East Championship Tournament appearances and having 19 all-conference selections, but the program had plateaued the last few seasons. After a 9-23 record, the Pirates needed a new face to lead the team for the future.
In comes Angie Churchill, a former standout at the University of Michigan. Everywhere Churchill has gone, it has yielded positive results. In her first year at D’Youville University, she took a team that went 8-27 the previous year and won the program’s first ever Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference championship.
Thrilled to announce our newest head coach, Angie Churchill!
Welcome aboard, Coach!🏴☠️🥎
🔗https://t.co/tXn7ocK2Q2#HALLin 🔵⚪️ pic.twitter.com/bfKoCaYiNN
— Seton Hall Softball (@SHUSoftball) June 21, 2021
At Georgian Court, she led the Lions to a NCAA Regional appearance and mentored the 2015 Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference Player of the Year. In 2017, she led the Wagner Seahawks to their first winning conference record and Northeast Conference Tournament appearance since 2008.
Before arriving at The Hall, she spent four seasons at Hartford University and in 2019, helped lead the Hawks to their first winning season since 2013, making an appearance in the America East Tournament.
“The hardest part is getting the kids to believe because if we need to work on hitting a curveball, backhands, drop steps, whatever it might be, there’s a million drills for that,” Churchill said of her philosophy. “But, the one thing that there isn’t a drill for is wanting to be in the moment and having the belief in yourself. You’re not going to succeed every time you’re in that moment, but the more you want to be in the moment, the more you will start to succeed.”
While the 2021-22 season for the Pirates had some tough moments, there were more positives to be taken than negatives. The biggest bright spot from this past season had to be freshman infielder Taylor Hill. Hill put up one the best statistical seasons for a freshman in Pirate history en-route to securing an All-Big East First Team Selection and the Big East Freshman of the Year. In 23 conference games this season, she had a .449 batting average and a .744 slugging percentage with three home runs, 12 doubles, one triple, 15 runs scored and 25 RBI.
B4 | TAYLOR TANKS ONE! 💣💣💣
Hill goes deep to right for her third long ball of the year!
💻https://t.co/mMjsxSYHLg (FloSoftball)
📊https://t.co/WGu3dqKeBlBlue Demons 8, Pirates 6#HALLin 🔵⚪️ pic.twitter.com/r6lmcljZoj
— Seton Hall Softball (@SHUSoftball) April 9, 2022
The Pirates infielder epitomizes the culture Angie Churchill is trying to set.
“Taylor Hill had a standout freshman year,” Churchill said. “She struggled right out of the gate, but she just kept working, kept believing that she could be that person and never faltered. Then once she got it, she just hit the ground running.”
Churchill knows of the possible sophomore slump, but the big thing for Hill is to stay the course. If she keeps that positive mindset, she’ll be the piece that allows Seton Hall to get over the hump and make it back to the conference tournament.
Hill wasn’t the only freshman making waves for the Pirates last season. By the end of the season, Seton Hall started five freshmen with zero seniors. With a young team like that, there were obviously growing pains but it created an invaluable experience that can carry into next season.
“I saw a lot of our younger kids grow throughout the year from being afraid and nervous the first half of the season, and then grow into that confidence,” Churchill said. “They stepped in and wanted the moment. I could tell they get it now. Having had those moments and those pressure situations, to already be in them, is just going to make them that much better next year.”
The biggest positional group who can benefit from this early experience will be the infield. Along with Hill at shortstop, the infield also featured freshmen Jenna Blevens and Olivia Gilbert. Because of the reps the freshmen infielders got this season, they’ll be more in-sync next year and cut down on errors.
Coming over to the Big East was an adjustment for Churchill, but the increased level of competition week in and week out has prepared the team mentally.
“It’s like we’re in a dog fight,”’ Churchill said. “Every single weekend is tough. There’s no team that has a weak roster. You’re pitching to the best hitters and hitting off the best pitchers, it just sets you up and you have to be focused every weekend.”
Overall, the 2021-22 season provided an excellent foundation for this next era of Pirates softball. The culture Churchill has brought has been immeasurable to players such as Hill. Churchill expects a Big East Tournament appearance for the Pirates next season. This squad has talented players on their roster, and Churchill’s previous track record has proven this feat to be possible. Only time will tell if the Pirates can live up to her expectations.
