By: Jessica Cox, editor
12/7/2004

The Friends University softball team will return from Christmas break with a new coach, Tony Segovia.  Segovia’s first official day as the head softball coach will be Jan. 3, followed by the first day of practice Jan. 15. 

Former coach Tina Schremmer lost the job earlier in the semester.  While looking for a new coach, athletic director Joe Zimmerman sought someone who could provide the Falcons will stability on and off the field. 
                                 
“The team needs a general consistency and overall guidance for the program that I believe Segovia can give,” Zimmerman said.

Segovia was the assistant softball coach at McPherson College in McPherson and was looking for an opportunity to start his head coaching career.

“I’m really excited, but I don’t feel a lot of pressure,” Segovia said.  “Friends University has always been in the top four in the conference, and I want to continue that.”

Segovia will meet the team Friday, Dec. 10. 

“I just want the team to know that I’m here for them,” Segovia said.  “I want the ladies to play as a team and go out and play hard.”

Ofelia Arrendondo, senior first baseman, said she has confidence that if Zimmerman believes Segovia can provide stability, then the team will benefit from his coaching style.

His experience and knowledge of the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference and its rules helped put Segovia on the top of the application pile.

“He understands how the conference operates and built a program from ground zero,” Zimmerman said. 

While at McPherson, Segovia spent one year as a student assistant and three years as assistant coach.  Before Segovia started coaching at McPherson, the softball team was a club sport not sponsored by the athletic department.  Segovia helped establish the program into an accredited sport at McPherson.

Segovia said his experience in the KCAC conference will also benefit the team because he knows other coaches in the conference and what competition the Falcons will face. 

“Being in the same conference, I already know the coaches, the rules and any changes that have been made,” Segovia said.

Other than providing stability, Zimmerman wanted someone who understood the need for balance between academics and athletics.  Segovia was a student/athlete at McPherson College.  He played football there for four years and graduated in 2000 with a bachelor’s degree in physical education and health. 

Throughout the hiring process, Zimmerman was looking for the team to stay open-minded and positive about the situation.  He encouraged the Falcons to take ownership in their program by pushing themselves to continue off-season conditioning. 

“The off-season is a time for conditioning, which falls on the student/athlete and puts them in a position to be able to show their skills and showcase their abilities to a new coach,” Zimmerman said. 

Arrendondo said the team is excited for the season and eager to meet Segovia to get the ball rolling. 

“There is a sense of relief,” Arrendondo said.  “We’re keeping an open mind about everything.”