“They look at us like ‘We can’t do this,’ said coach Ashley Woodcock. “By the time practice is over, they’re capitalizing on everything. It’s nice. They like having us help them.”

Woodcock and fellow co-coach Molly Leopin have taken over the Blue Devils program this season have brought a new energy and excitement to a team that hasn’t made the playoffs since 2008.

“We’re really excited,” said second baseman Cleo Miller. “I feel like we’re playing at a higher intensity. I really think we can put a lot in and win. I’m really looking forward to that.”

The Blue Devils have only had their new coaches for a few weeks but notice a significant difference. They’re learning and building confidence. Though their season starts with an unenviable meeting with a talented Cony squad, this Blue Devils team is excited to show what they can do.

“We’re so pumped,” said pitcher Erica Brochu. “I think we’re ready. There are things we can improve on but as a whole team and a young team I think we’ve got good skill altogether. I think it’s going to be a good season.”

Woodcock was a standout at Jay while Leopin was an all-star at Morse.  Both played at the college level  and have worked together as coaches at St. Joe’s for much of the last decade. Both wanted a new challenge and thought about getting into coaching. The Lewiston job was available and a good fit for two young coaches looking to bring their experience to a program.

“The girls are awesome,” said Woodcock. “They want to learn. They want to get better. That’s the best thing about this level. They want to work. They’ve very coachable. They do what we say and we’ve seen nothing but improvement.”

It’s been different. Being part of a coaching staff at St. Joe’s only prepares you for so much when you break out on your own for a head coaching job. There’s a lot more details to the task, which gives them both a lot to discuss when they often commute together from the Portland area.

“We’re in charge now,” said Woodcock. “So we’ve got to make sure of everything. The equipment doesn’t just show up. We have to bring it.”

They also had to adjust to coaching at the high school level. In college, the players have a certain level of skill and knowledge of the game. The drills and practices and work on that foundation and build from it. At the high school level, the fundamental level may be lower.

“You can’t expect as much,” said Woodcock. “At first, I think I was expecting a little too much. If something doesn’t work, we move on from it. We don’t force stuff. We had to find a happy medium, and I think we finally have found that.”

The players didn’t know what to expect when they heard a new coach was coming in.

“I was afraid we weren’t going to get a great coach, but we got two coaches for the price of one and a pitching coach.” said Miller

Woodcock brings expertise in the outfield and bunting while Leopin works with hitters and the infield. Former teammate and pitcher, Christy Wezowicz, will assist and help groom the pitchers on a volunteer basis.

“I feel ready and more prepared,” said Brochu, who says she’s already learned new pitches. “In two weeks, I’ve learned more from them than I have the last two years.”

With a resume of high school and college ball and a wealth of college coaching experience, it brings a background the girls can respect and believe in.

“They love softball,” said Miller. “Both of them do. They live, eat, sleep and breathe softball. I do to. I can relate to them like that.”

Miller, Brochu and Tori Denis are the three captains and have done a tremendous job of helping the transition of the new coaches. Meagan Mathon and Emily Turner are among the other returnees.

“We’re all getting so much out of it,” said Brochu. “Each and every one of us have learned something new that maybe we only knew a little but about but we’re maturing.”

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