By Tim Tassa -- Daily Staff Writer

WOODSTOCK — Spanning three years at the helm of Central's softball team, the bonds Jill Yew has forged with her players is particularly evident in her relationships with the team's five seniors.

As sophomores in 2006, Katie Beth French, Kristyn Romick, Jennifer Estep, Emily Broyles and Laura Bishop were introduced to the teaching style of their new coach, who has transformed a once-down program that went 0-20 in her debut season.

Since, in addition to nine-win and 11-win seasons, the group's camaraderie has been reflective of Yew's leadership and the atmosphere she has created.

"[She is] kind of like an older-sister type where she can talk about things," added Central pitcher Brea Hinegardner. "But also like a mother that tries to take care of things."

And just as her seniors' careers at Central seemed over as they readied for prom, Yew, The Northern Virginia Daily's Softball Coach of the Year, had a bit of instruction left for her players before they even slipped on a corsage.

This time, Yew revealed her maternal side.

"I remember maybe seven times possibly or more before our senior prom, [Yew said] if we got in any trouble to call her, any trouble at all, just call her. She texted every single one of us during prom to see how we were doing," French said.

"She's really dedicated to what she does. She puts her heart into every single one of us, no matter how her day is going, she's always giving us 100 percent of her."

For as much appreciation as her players have for her coaching style and personality, Yew returns the same admiration for her players, whom she lent the credit for the Falcons' success this season.

Since her arrival, Yew has implemented year-round softball activity, directed so that players are not courting their mitts for the first time in February. Last year, the Falcons played fall ball and coordinated summer softball camps to keep their skills polished year-round.

"I came three years ago when the five seniors that I had this year were sophomores. I told them all that year that, 'You know, you're going to be a part of turning this program around,'" said Yew, admitting that the process was a learning experience for her, as well.

"It was tough the first year just because I don't really think they knew how to win, but last year when they got a couple wins under our belts then they realized that, hey, that was a lot better feeling. They worked hard and they deserve all the recognition that they get."

Central enjoyed its first Northwestern District tournament win under Yew this season, a 7-0 victory over Skyline on May 19. The team celebrated with a water fight following the game, continuing what was a post-practice ritual between Yew, Estep and French.

"We would always get her and we'd have to chase her around the entire field to get her," Estep said. "But we made sure we got her."

The group's attempts to soak each other — which combined with a dirt field led to a muddy aftermath — was a perfect example of the relationships Yew has helped mold. And the Falcons' year-to-year improvement is a direct example of the promising program she's building in Woodstock.

"It was just we had a bond and Ms. Yew is the reason we had this bond. She pushed us to be the best team we could," Estep said.

"We had so much fun with her; I don't think I would've wanted to play with any other coach in my last three years of my high school seasons."

R Contact Tim Tassa at ttassa@nvdaily.com

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