With the softball season rapidly approaching, the Lehman Lobos aim to improve with the help of a new coach.
Jesse Bustamante, who was hired to helm the Lobo softball program over the summer, hopes to drive success for the Lobos, with the possibility of earning a playoff berth. Bustamante was hired from El Paso Parkland High, where he led the Matadors to the Class 5A playoffs during his one season with the team in 2017.
Bustamante said there is so much growth in the area, and he hopes to start the new season off right.
“Last year the softball team didn’t have a very good season, but I looked at the roster and had a lot of returning players coming back,” Bustamante said. “I figured it would be a good opportunity to try and turn this program around.”
Bustamante’s ultimate goal is to make it to the playoffs, while also finding success in a competitive 25-6A district. Lehman will contend against in-district rival Hays, along with Lake Travis, Westlake, Vandegrift and Vista Ridge, which are also perennial powers.
Bustamante hopes to bring lots of energy and instill some work ethic in his girls. Once the team does that, they can compete and win some games, he said.
With a solid group of returners, and some freshmen playing varsity ball, the team is excited to get the new season underway.
“There is a lot of excitement just because it’s a new year, it’s a new start, it’s a new coach and everyone is excited to make some progress in our season,” Bustamante said.
Focusing on the fundamentals and game-like situations is what the Lobos have been working on this preseason. Bustamante believes in working on things that are going to happen in the games to better prepare his team in the new season.
Bustamante wants his team to focus on one game at a time, and right now the focus is on preseason.
“I really want them to focus on our preseason schedule along with the tournaments and stuff like that, and then once we start district to focus on each opponent one game at a time as well,” Bustamante said.
With a new coach and the new coaching style that comes along with Bustamante, the Lobos look forward to the new season with a different mindset.
“For this season, we are going to play hard and compete in every game,” Bustamante said. “You are going to see a lot of energy in the dugout with people running in and out, but mainly good body language, a lot of energy and a competitive mindset this season.”
