Folliard's Focus Is On Her Players as Richards Advances

Richards softball coach Julie Folliard has been at the helm since the 1988-89 season and has coached a number of outstanding teams, but she has never made it to the state tournament.

Folliard has coached two teams to the supersectionals, in 1993 and 1998. Both times her team fell to the eventual state champion.

This postseason run presents a great chance for Folliard to break through to the state tournament. and advanced to Saturday’s Morton Sectional championship game.

With Northwestern-bound Brianna LeBeau on the mound, the Bulldogs seemingly have a chance to beat anybody. On Wednesday, LeBeau pitched a complete-game three-hitter for the win.

“We’re all just in it to win it,” junior shortstop Hannah Jenkins said. “And we know what we have to do and we play our part very well.”

The seniors know the run is special for them, especially because it’s their last go-around.

“It’s awesome,” catcher Kristin Renken said. “It’s really awesome to have my senior year and go out like this. It feels great.”

Folliard remains humble, and she turned the discussion back to her players when asked about what a run to state would mean to her.

“Really, personally, I would just like all great things for this bunch of girls,” she said. “They have just been a joy to coach all year. So, for me, personally, I’ll just be so happy if they can just fulfill their potential. It takes a little bit of luck and a lot of talent and we’ll see what happens. I really just have a good bunch of kids.”