There is a new vibe surrounding the Maplesville softball program, as Clark Watley takes over the head coaching duties.

Watley comes in with past head coaching experience, after spending three years at Chilton County High School.

The team held its first full practice on Jan. 30, which included hitting. Prior to that, the team worked solely on throwing and conditioning.

“I’m looking at mentality and how they respond to certain situations,” Watley said. Anybody can teach the physical side, but it’s the mental part of the game that separates you. It’s all about preparation.”

Six seniors give Maplesville a veteran presence that Watley hopes will have an impact on the roster’s underclassmen.

“I’m depending on them a lot this year,” Watley said.

Developing chemistry is always a challenge for a first year head coach, especially in the early stages.

“It’s a learning process, but so for they are buying in to what I am teaching,” Watley said.

One thing that Watley has stressed from his first team meeting is the importance of having competition at every position and giving players an opportunity to earn their starting spot.

“No matter what, we’re going to compete,” Watley said. “That’s what I’m trying to instill in them.”

Another focus of Watley’s is increasing the Red Devils’ strength of schedule. This year’s schedule includes higher classification teams, such as CCHS, Jemison, Bibb County and Montevallo.

“Those are some bigger schools, but it’s going to make our girls better to have seen those type of players and pitching,” Watley said. “That way they will have seen everything by the time they get to Troy [regionals].”

Maplesville opens the 2017 season at home against Chilton County High School on Feb. 23 at 4:30 p.m.