Braswell named softball coach of the year

By Ryan Hanchett
Published in Sports on June 5, 2010 11:11 PM

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Terry Braswell has never been very comfortable talking about himself. He'd rather deflect the spotlight to his players.

During his six seasons as the head softball coach at Princeton, Braswell has built a consistently successful program and churned out top talent. For his efforts, he's been selected the 2010 News-Argus All-Area Softball Coach-of-the-Year.

The 2010 version of the Princeton softball squad amassed a 17-8 record, claimed the Carolina 1-A Conference title and advanced to the third round of the N.C. High School Athletic Association playoffs.

"I think the key to having such a good season this year was that we came up big at the right time," said Braswell. "It seemed like we made the big plays both offensively and defensively at the right moments."

Having the area's top pitcher certainly did not hurt, either.

"Traci (Bridgers) is very talented and we had enough offense to give her the run support that it took to win," said Braswell. "When we were able to get the bats going it just made Traci that much better."

Over the course of the season Princeton outscored its opponents 177-78.

Not one to be overly emotional, win or lose, Braswell's calm demeanor sunk in with his veteran players including Bridgers.

"Coach is always very happy and he is ready to help any player at any time," said Bridgers. "He will tell you what you are doing wrong and show you ways to improve, but he is not going to get upset or start yelling.

"That's just not him."

With only two seniors returning next season, it would be easy for Braswell to start using the word "rebuilding." But he refuses to concede anything thanks to the amount of young talent that will be gracing the Bulldogs' roster next season.

"I think we have the potential to be solid again next year with the players that we have coming back," said Braswell. "Hopefully a year of maturing and working hard will put us in a position to build on what we did this season."

No one knows whether or not 2011 will produce another league title for the Dogs, or another postseason run, but one thing is certain. Braswell will be molding quality players, and always smiling in either the dugout or third-base coach's box.