“One hundred strikeouts is a remarkable achievement, being that it’s only her sophomore year, and we have not had a pitcher of her caliber ever since I started here five years ago,” said the NDA softball head coach.
Coach Scott Hermes continued, “Ella Nowak works very hard to earn the results she is getting, a lot of work in the offseason when no one is watching.”
Nowak is a second-year varsity softball player who is really getting her chance to shine this year as she has stepped into the starting pitcher role.
Nowak pitched only about 15 games her freshman year with Addy Simpson in the primary pitching role. Since Simpson stepped aside, Nowak has stepped up and is filling that vacancy.
“I’ve definitely enjoyed my first year so far as the starting pitcher. I’ve learned lots of things about myself and about the team. I’m very proud of how far I’ve come as a pitcher in my second year on this team,” she explained.
This season, Nowak recorded a no-hitter versus Sheboygan South, where she struck out 6 and walked 4.
Additionally, she recorded her 100th career strikeout vs Ashwaubenon on May 5.
“The biggest change from last year is her confidence level wanting the ball in the circle and gaining some speed through off-season work. Her fastball speed is at least 4-5 mph increased from last season. It means the world for our program to finally be getting the pitching to go along with our development of all the other positions. The game of softball revolves around having a good pitcher. Just look at the teams at the top of the conference, and you will see a top-level pitcher or two,” said Hermes.
He added, “Ella has had some control issues, but again, it goes along with her continual development as she increases speed and works on her change to become natural. The no-hitter is proof she can do it. Now she just needs to keep perfecting her craft. She has that bulldog mentality and handles adversity well.”
Not only is Nowak succeeding with her pitching, but she has improved dramatically at the plate as well. She has put in a lot of work over the offseason, especially working on her hitting.
“I did put in quite a bit of off-season and a lot of in-season work to get to where I am right now. During winter, I changed the whole mechanics of my swing, and changed my approach to what I want to do when I walk up to the plate,” said Nowak.
Hermes continued, “She has been consistently hitting the ball hard, and she has a great approach at the plate. Rarely striking out with productive at-bats. She has been batting in the two-hole all season and is hitting right around .400. She is also great at sacrificing runners with bunts. She gets the job done.”
Nowak has a few goals for her remaining time at NDA. She would like to surpass 300 strikeouts and continue to be successful at the plate.
“I’m looking for a strong finish to the season, both for our team and Ella’s continued development,” Hermes said. “She has the ability and mental makeup to be a top pitcher in our conference. The next two years should be her best, both individually and for the team. It’s a ton of work, but if there is someone who can do it, it is Ella.”
Nowak and the Tritons have four conference matchups to finish the regular season. They will face De Pere twice on Saturday, Sheboygan North on Monday and Pulaski on Tuesday before playoffs begin next week.
