Auburn, ME – Larry Bird once said, "I've got a theory if you give 100% all of the time, somehow things will work out in the end." CM head softball coach Bruce Robertson lives this way in every aspect of coaching. He gives 100% in recruiting, as he wants the best players he can get at CM, and while he is coaching on the field. He has high expectations for his players and coaching staff, but believes that the hard work definitely pays off for them.
Coach Robertson has had an interesting experience thus far at the helm of CM softball. "My first two years were challenging as I knew it would be until I could recruit properly and bring in players that buy into my system and program." In his third year, 2019, he had a solid team that was looking to make an impact in the spring but was derailed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The program would end up losing their Spring 2020 and entire 2020-2021 season. With sports back in full swing this academic year, the season has been filled with a great group of players who have played extremely well all season.
Before CM, Robertson had been coaching at the high school and ASA level. Most recently he had coached his 18U Diamond Warriors club team which played in tournaments across New England. Since making the transition to CM, he has been able to build a program that previously barely existed. "We were able to find a team using players from other sports at CM, but we were not a true self-sustaining program." However, now the team consists of players who are dedicated to the fall and spring season. Coach Robertson finds it exciting when players that commit to CM put the time in to succeed and see the team come together for that common goal of winning.
What's a typical training session like under Coach Robertson? With the training staff on campus who keep the players in shape and healthy for the season, Robertson is able to focus on the skills and strategy on the field. During the fall season, he focuses on repetitive softball drills to get them ready and all on the same page. Having a pitching coach on the coaching staff is crucial in keeping the pitchers on top of their game. Coach is also able to bring in a catching coach to work with all of the catchers on the team a couple times a year. When it comes to practice, it typically involves a team run, team stretch and throwing with their every day fielding progressions. Once the season starts, the team covers a lot of situational plays and lots of hitting.
Additionally, Coach feels a good team and coach is only as good as the coaches around them. This Mustang team is very fortunate to have some of the best coaches around. Each coach brings something to this team and when they put it all together it is something special. Coach Abby has been great to help in the all-around development of the team by bringing personal experience in playing and education. Coach Daryl brings years of experience and has helped all of the players with hitting and all-around play. Pitching wise, Coach Sonja, has brought her playing experience to help the pitchers on the team become more confident and effective in the circle. Coach Shawn also comes in to work with our catchers as it is important to make sure they get the work they deserve and need. Robertson states, "Our pitchers will only be as good as the catchers behind the plate."
The Mustangs finished their regular season with a 22-10-1 record. They will wait to see if they receive a BID to the National tournament with an announcement expected Wednesday night.
