By Kyle LoJacono
John Clapp was named the Land O’ Lakes softball coach just a few weeks after taking over the Gators girls golf program.
Land O’ Lakes athletic director Karen Coss said Clapp’s experience with the Gators softball program made him the clear choice.
“(John) has been the junior varsity coach for the last nine years and has built a great relationship with the girls while teaching them the game,” Coss said. She then added, “He knows his way around the team, field and players better than anyone. There were great candidates for the head varsity position, but John’s experience with the program gave him the advantage.”
Coss also said Clapp “is committed to Land O’ Lakes High School athletics, and is willing to put the time in to help the girls learn, but also have fun while they’re doing it.”
Clapp was honored to take over both Land O’ Lakes programs.
“Being involved in two programs is exciting,” Clapp said. “I believe it is an honor and a privilege to coach these young ladies, making a difference one athlete at a time. I truly love coaching.”
Clapp said he has experience coaching softball, baseball, football and hockey, but this is the first time he has led a golf program. The squad is very young, with three freshmen, a sophomore and two juniors.
Despite a lack of experience, the Gators girls golf team has hit the ground running, earning a victory 208-233 against Gulf in their first match of the season.
The Land O’ Lakes softball team went 4-16 in 2011. The program loses seven players to graduation from last year, including second-leading hitter Emily Austin who averaged .328 as a senior.
The Gators will likely return catcher and infielder Meghan Sfraga, who led the squad with a .444 batting average, 18 RBI, 15 runs scored and nine doubles.
“My goal for both programs is to build strong successful long-term teams that the girls are proud to be a part of,” Clapp said. He then added, “We have a few months until softball begins but have great plans in place.”
Clapp is replacing Jamie Martin, who resigned her softball position but will remain as the Gators girls weightlifting coach and a physical education teacher at Land O’ Lakes.
–All stats as recorded to Maxpreps.com by coaches.
