Warsaw assistant coach Kendra Marshall focuses on calling pitches during an NLC softball game at Wawasee Thursday. The former Tiger star is in her first season of coaching (Photos by Mike Deak)

WARSAW – Kendra Marshall made a huge impact as an outstanding player in the Warsaw softball program.

Now, the former Tiger star is making a big impact once again on her alma mater as a coach.

Marshall, a 2012 WCHS grad who was a power-hitting shortstop during her prep career, is enjoying being back in the sport she loves after a two-year absence.

“I love being back in the game,” said Marshall in a recent phone interview. “I missed it when I was away from it these past couple of years.

“It’s super cool to back at Warsaw. I know that when I stepped out on our field for that first outside practice this Spring that a lot of memories came flooding back to me. A lot of good memories.”

Marshall, who is a varsity assistant, combined with Kelsey Dotson for an incredible 1-2 punch as seniors for coach Jim Speicher’s Warsaw team in 2012 that posted a 19-10 record and finished 11-3 in Northern Lakes Conference play. The pair were both All-State and played for the North team in the annual North-South All-Star Game. Dotson, a catcher for the Tigers, went on to play at Indiana University and then for the Chicago Bandits in the National Pro Fastpitch League in 2016.

Marshall, a Leesburg native, put together a sensational senior season for the Tigers. She hit .531 with 10 home runs and 16 doubles to go with 46 RBI. She had a 1.031 slugging percentage while scoring 32 runs and striking out just two times in 96 at bats as the cleanup hitter.

Marshall’s current players may not know just how good of a player their coach was, but they do rib her about one thing.

“They joke with me that I’m old,” explained Marshall, who will turn 24 next month. “It’s funny. I remember being in their shoes and it was not that long ago.”

Marshall played one season at Valparaiso University before a terrific final three years at Trine University. She helped Trine post a 115-25 record as the team won three MIAA titles and had a ton of success in the postseason, including making a trip to the NCAA Division III National Championships in 2014. Marshall earned NFCA Division III All-American honors following a senior season in 2016 in which she batted .355 with six homers, 10 doubles, 39 RBI and 25 runs scored. She ranks among the Top 10 in program history in hits, doubles and total bases.

“It’s been challenging and your perspective changes on things as a coach,” stated Marshall on her first foray into the coaching ranks. “It’s been eye-opening at times.”

Marshall is combining coaching with her first year as a full-time teacher. She is a third grade teacher at Harrison Elementary School.

“It’s cool because I work with little kids all day and then go work with the high school girls,” said Marshall. “I think that being a teacher helps me with coaching. In both instances I need to find out what gets the best out of my students and my players.”

Marshall, who boasts a great sense of humor, has been coaching first base and also helping to call the pitches for the Tigers.

“It’s almost painful some times how much I still want to get out there and play,” admitted Marshall. “But I can still be competitive this way.”

Marshall says her focus right now is on her work in the classroom.

“Teaching is my No. 1 priority right now, especially as a first-year teacher,” responded Marshall when asked about wanting to be a head coach one day. “There’s such a big learning curve as a first-year teacher.”

Marshall said that she is enjoying working with head coach Kevin Dishman. The Tigers are 3-4 on the season after a strong Northern Lakes Conference win over rival Wawasee Thursday night in Syracuse.

“I’ve known Kevin for a long time and played for him (in the Leesburg Youth League) when I was like seven,” said Marshall. “He was a coach there when I umpired. We get along well and I like the talks that we have about the game.

“”My focus is on helping make our players good people and teaching them the game. I feel like I can give them advice and know what they are going through.”

Kendra Marshall congratulates a player as they reach first base.