Thoughts on Sortino

I remember showing up at an early University of Massachusetts softball practice several years back and being surprised by the drill the players were executing. They were working on how to correctly run on the field to start an inning. They went through it several times before moving on to something else.
It reminded me of legendary UCLA coach John Wooden, who had specifications on how players put their socks on. Every detail mattered. Success in little things leads to success in big things.
It was quintisential Elaine Sortino.
The long time UMass coach revealed Wednesday that she's battling cancer. Never one to seek attention or acclaim of any kind, Sortino is keeping the details of her fight to herself. But if determination, focus and knowledge can be assets, Sortino will be a tough fighter in her own battle as she's been in every softball game, she's coached.
Sortino comes off tough and for some people a little intimidating. It's been a rite of spring for me every year to watch the newest Collegian softball beat writer muster up the courage to ask questions in early season interviews. I've been on the receiving end of the Did-you-really-just-ask-me-that face on plenty of occasions.
But in reality, Sortino is warm, funny and incredibly generous. She is intensely devoted to her players, family, people she cares about and of course UMass.  The longer people know her the more apparent that beomes. I imagine the outreach from people both inside and outside the softball community will be impressive and she takes on cancer.
She looked at me like I was nuts when I wrote that the UMass Softball Complex should be named Elaine Sortino Field, as if there was someone more deserving of that honor. I hope someday soon, the adminstration agrees with me enough to do it.

From a personal standpoint, among the ways I judge coaches is whether or not I'd want my children playing for them. I don't have kids yet and any offspring of mine is unlikely to have Division I talent, but never the less I can't help but think whether a coach is someone I'd trust to teach, lead and mold my kid.
With Elaine Sortino, it was never a question. If my future daughter had softball talent I'd feel good about her playing for UMass. For years, I've watched Sortino coach with her priorities in order. 
Winning matters. Of course it does and her teams do plenty of winning. But the players matter, their lives and their school work. She molded so many raw players that were overlooked by most, into athletes and people capable of competing with anyone. Those are lessons that carry on well beyond softball.
So here's hoping for a speedy recovery. The world and UMass are better places with Sortino teaching those lessons.