New Foxes head softball coach Larry Troutman, a three-sport athlete in his younger days, is a self-proclaimed sports junkie. Athletics have remained a big part of his life, and his enthusiasm has not waned.
“My wife tells me I go to bed watching ESPN SportsCenter, and wake up to it, too,” he says, demonstrating his craving for all things related to sports, no matter whether it’s keeping up with local, regional, or national teams.
Upon meeting the first-year Foxes coach, it is apparent he brings that same passion, energy, vast experience and a little humor to his new position. He wants his players to have fun, but work hard. With more than 25 years of experience behind him, the area resident has had the joy of meeting and following the progress of many of the high school’s players, both past and present.
Coach Troutman first became involved in fast-pitch softball when his daughters were young and played the game. He became an AAU recreational travel coach for 15 years, taking his teams to many out-of-state tournaments and championships. Meanwhile, he signed on as a commissioner for the Indiana Township Athletic Association for five years. When the organization merged with the Fox Chapel Area Baseball and Softball Association, he stayed on as its sole commissioner for another four years.
Now, the first-year Foxes coach looks to help a talented high school squad reach new heights, both during and beyond the regular season. After a very successful run in non-section play, illness plagued the team as the Foxes began section play against the perennial top teams – Plum, Shaler, and North Hills. Since then, they’ve scratched out some gritty wins.
“Overall, we had some mistakes in past games, but we cleaned up the errors and should be in a good place for a playoff spot in the second half of the season,” coach Troutman says. He also believes the players have a lot more in the tank.
His recipe for success comes from his past accomplishments and placing strong priority on defense, pitching, and communication.
“I want the players to also learn how to interact positively with each other and myself and create a team culture of confidence and honesty. When the players step off the bus, I want them to know what they are getting into and battle hard,” he says.
“They will always know where they stand with me, and I will be honest with them, although they won’t always like the answer.”
Coaching a Joy for Troutman
One of the most rewarding aspects of coaching for him is supporting and mentoring players, especially those who are willing to put in the effort to become successful. He cites a recent example.
“I have a freshman on the team who worked really, really hard to improve her skills and talent,” he says. “After tryouts, I told her she’d be a swing player, and the smile and excitement on her face was priceless. It’s one of the most rewarding things about coaching – seeing a player aggressively attack the job of improving and becoming successful.”
Coach Troutman also encourages his players to play multiple sports to improve their overall athleticism.
“We have a number of players who also do other sports, and I think that’s important, not only because it means they are athletic, but also because they are disciplined and have experience interacting with a wider group of girls,” says the coach, who has been at the helm for more than 700 softball games over a span of 15 years.
Coach Troutman speculates that the many athletes he’s coached over the years might describe him as organized, well-prepared, disciplined, fun, and caring.
Team Unity is Key
A strong sense of unity is a cornerstone of his coaching philosophy.
“I tell them that we are now one team of 22 girls. Even though we have varsity and JV teams, everyone is to dress and be in the dugout cheering for both games,” he says.
One of coach Troutman’s goals is to develop a team reputation as an aggressive squad.
“If we stick together, we are unbreakable. We want every team that plays us to think, ‘We play Fox Chapel today; it’s going to be a battle for all seven innings, ‘ ” he says.
Ambitious Goals
Alongside coach Troutman this season are assistants John Linkes and Maura Pasquale, a former starting player for one of coach Troutman’s AAU teams.
“I want to be a strong leader and help the players have high ambitions,” says coach Troutman, who also places high expectations for himself. “My goal is to bring something great to the girls and the program. I want to be the one who takes them to their first WPIAL and state championships.”