It’s been a long time coming: Sto-Rox’s softball program is returning to the diamond this spring after a layoff of several years, led by first-time head coach Heather O’Hara.
“I am excited to watch these ladies grow and hopefully they’ll love the game as much as I do,” said O’Hara.
Softball has a long and proud history in Sto-Rox. In 1989, Sto-Rox won a state title - the PIAA Championship - with WPIAL Hall of Fame coach Bill Palermo at the helm.
LINK: Sto-Rox Softball
Heather O’Hara.
I am so eager for the season to start,” said O’Hara. “The team has a lot of underclassmen which will be good for the future. Right now, I feel some pressure being that it is my first time being a head coach, bringing the program back and knowing how successful softball was in the past.”
There has also been an outpouring of support from the community upon the return of the softball to Sto-Rox. State Representative Anita Kulik was among those who helped get the word out about equipment the team needs.
“Some of the ladies didn't even have the equipment to play softball,” said O’Hara, who started her coaching career by coaching Special Olympics athletes. “The amount of community support for these ladies has been simply amazing! I can't thank the community enough.”
O’Hara is an area native, graduating from nearby Montour High School and then attaining degrees in Early Childhood and Special Education from Slippery Rock University. She started playing softball at the age of six and continued through high school. She knows it can be a lifelong passion.
“The most fulfilling part of this is being able to share the game that I grew up loving - one that I’m still playing today,” said O’Hara. “I want the ladies to have the opportunity to love the sport just as much as I do.”
The Sto-Rox Softball Team returns to the diamond on Tuesday, March 12 when they travel to Gateway. The first home page is Thursday, March 21, 3:30 p.m. at Sto-Ken-Rox Field, 133 Ewing Road, McKees Rocks, PA 15136. Please come out and support our ladies!