2008 New Coach Profiles

Amy Scheikert

I am a junior at Boston University, and originally from Boulder, Colorado. I have played softball since I was 8, and started playing competitively in 7th grade. I worked really hard to earn a spot in the infield, and once I got it, I never let it go (3rd base!). In my freshmen and sophomore years of high school, I played on the Colorado All-Star team and got to travel a lot. For me, softball was never super easy, but because I worked so hard, I loved it once I finally became good. I had some great coaches that both made me a better player, and helped me make some of my best friends. Two of my best friends were girls I met playing. I am looking forward to coaching to pass on the skills and tips I learned, and to help other girls have the same experiences with friends and teammates. I love softball, and am excited to help coach a new team of girls and stay involved.

Emily McKenna

I started playing when I was 10 and dove in head first. I was very small for my age and faced a lot of adversity when I told coaches I wanted to be a pitcher. I practiced hard and often in order to get what I wanted. I love softball not only for the game but for what it has taught me about hard work and determination. So far I have played on a state champion travel team, played in the European Cup for Greece, played a summer for a Dutch team and played for Smith College. Softball has given me confidence in all parts of my life because I know now that I can achieve what I set out to do. I have also learned that working hard prepares you for and affords you so many adventures that you can’t expect. Most of my greatest experiences and best friendships would not have been possible without softball. I am really excited to be a part of the beginning years for my team.

Nicole Viele

Nicole Viele has been playing softball ball for over 25 years. As a high school player she was a catcher and moved on to play collegiate softball at Wheelock College in Boston, MA. As a four year starter and captain, she played in over 90 games and holds the schools all -time leading batting average. Nicole just recently retired from playing women’s fastpich.

Nicole was the Assistant Softball Coach at University of Hartford, CT, Assistant Coach at Westfield High School, MA, Head Coach at Wheelock College, Boston, MA and most recently an Assistant Coach at Lesley University, Cambridge, MA.

“Playing softball (and other sports) has been instrumental to my growth as an individual. It has taught me how to win with dignity, lose with grace, work through adversity and work together with others. My experiences, both playing and coaching, have given me the tools to be a leader within my profession (currently the Director of Athletics and Intramurals at Somerville High School and PE Teacher) and to problem solve on a daily basis. Throughout my playing career I have had many coaches, however the ones who were the most memorable; the female coaches, are the ones who have taught me more than just the skill of the sport and the strategy of the game, they have been role models. It is time for me to give back and be that role model to the young girls in our community and that is why I want to coach at the youth level.”

Neil O’Regan

Neil played little league baseball from age 8 to 16, as well as CYO ball at St Catherines where they won back to back championships. Neil played third, left and pitched. More recently, Neil has played men’s modified fast pitch softball in cambridge, led the league in home runs and batting average while winning three city championships.

“I coached the 7-9 little league last season. My reasons for coaching are simple. I believe that all of us are here to give our knowledge and experience to the kids, so that they can enjoy the game.”

Kerry Conley

Hi, my name is Kerry and I’m a new coach in Somerville Major League Softball this year. I grew up in Holliston, Massachusetts playing on town teams, tournament teams, and the high school team. During my four years on varsity playing first base, we won our division each year. I have also assisted in clinics and I used to attend the Wheaton College Summer Camps. The girls I played with were terrific and I made a lot of great friends. When I went to college at Northeastern University in Boston they didn’t have a softball team, so instead I played in a community league in JP. In all these different teams and places, I’ve learned a lot about the game and have been lucky to meet so many great people.

I’m looking forward to getting to know the players and parents this season, teaching softball, learning from the players, and having fun!