Ohio Christian University Welcomes New Softball Head Coach

VSN
(admin) Published
Sunday, May 15, 2022 – 10:30 AM

CIRCLEVILLE, OH – After much consideration and an extensive search, Ohio Christian University Athletics welcome Daryin Lewis as the official new head coach of the women’s softball program. Lewis has served this past season as the Interim Head Coach and with this responsibility took the program to a new height. Director of Athletics George Arroyo Jr spoke on hiring on Daryin Lewis as the official Head Coach and spoke highly of him.

“When Coach Lewis was promoted to the Interim Head Softball Coach in early Fall, we discussed key areas to target for the 21-22 year.” Arroyo went on to say, “Two of those areas were recruiting and developing a competitive program. I’ve been impressed with his recruiting efforts and even more so with the softball program. From being ranked second to last, to finishing third overall in the conference, this program reached new heights and broke several records under the direction of Coach Lewis. On behalf of Ohio Christian University, I am delighted for Coach Daryin Lewis and his promotion to Head Coach. I believe the program will continue pushing for new heights on the field, spiritually and academically.”

Daryin graduated from the University of Rio Grande with his bachelor’s degree in Business Management and a minor in marketing. There he was a standout athlete on the baseball team. He broke a few records and was honored as 1st team All-Conference his sophomore through his senior year for multiple positions. He was also named Pitcher of the Year his senior year. Junior and Senior year, he was given an honorable mention All-American.

He served as assistant coach for Post 134 Panthers, a travel baseball team out of Circleville. While there, they won the State Championship for American Legion and made a run in the national tournament. During this past season, Coach Lewis was awarded the River States Conference Coach of the Year, which according to Lewis “probably my biggest honor.”

After speaking with Coach Lewis on his emotions about getting the news of the promotion, here were some of his thoughts, “It’s an honor to be named Head Softball Coach for the OCU Trailblazers! I’ve grown up around Circleville for most of my life, so I have always known Ohio Christian University. I remember when there were just a few buildings on campus. It’s a blessing to be a part of the growth at this university. Looking forward to the years to come!”

This past season was not looked highly on during the preseason and Coach Lewis knew that was how it was going to be walking in, so he attempted to change that. “Stepping in as the Interim Head Coach for the 2022 season was completely unexpected. We were projected to be second to last in the conference but ended up third overall. This is a true testament of this program. One thing that has been a huge focus of mine is changing the culture: not only the softball program, but also assisting with the athletic department. The thing I’ve made clear to my athletes is that culture shift will not happen overnight. It’s going to take time, and it started with Team 12 in their 2022 season.”

The program began this past season going 0-8 over their first few games before receiving their first win over Miami University Hamilton. They certainly felt that “it takes time” quote, though the team seemed to take hold of what Coach Lewis preached and ultimately beat the past culture throughout the season.

“Leadership, accountability, sisterhood, and respect is something that I preach to my players. Most teams elect one or two captains on a team. Personally, I’d rather have a whole team full of captains. The more leaders on the field the better. Even the best players need someone there to hold them accountable, not just the coach. Accountability is the key factor to success. If you were a fly on the wall in our dugout, you would understand the sisterhood on this team. When someone is down, there is someone there to pick them up. If someone feels like there is a lack of effort or energy, someone is there to speak up to get everyone locked in. If someone needs support, there’s someone there to be that support system. Close knit teams are the teams who win championships!”

“My main goal is to develop these young ladies into Women of Society. There are a lot of life lessons that can come from the game of softball.” Daryin continued, “Softball is much like baseball and most times you fail more than you succeed. It’s how you overcome those failures, learn from those failures, and move forward. Life is very much like this. Most successful people will tell you that they have failed more times than they have had success. Success is the direct result of failing repeatedly until you get it right! I am confident when my student athletes graduate, they will be more well-rounded individuals. Not just because of their education, but because this game teaches you so much!”

Ohio Christian University is pleased to see Coach Lewis take the helm of the Trailblazer Softball program and is eager to see where this team goes next.

To follow Coach Daryin and his team and for more Trailblazer Softball action and news, follow them on Instagram (@ocu_softball) and on Twitter (@OCUSB). For general Trailblazer news, follow us on Instagram and Twitter (@OCUTrailblazers) and on Facebook (Ohio Christian University Trailblazers).

Ohio Christian University
Softball
River States Conference
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