Coaching change

LAKEWOOD RANCH — Maggie Feix doesn’t really remember what it’s like to be a player.

The glory days of hurling shutouts and winning state championships are in her past.

The former high school and collegiate pitcher wears a new hat now —one she’s been donning for the past six years.

But that doesn’t mean Feix has forgotten the thrill that comes from watching your team succeed both on and off the diamond.

Now the excitement just comes from a different vantage point — one of a head coach.

On Nov. 21, Feix, a physical education teacher at Lakewood Ranch, was named the Mustangs’ new softball coach. Feix replaces former head coach Tony Cummins, who stepped down following the end of the 2014 season.

“I know what it’s like to be in their shoes,” Feix says. “I’ve been on both sides (as a player and as a coach). I think that makes it easier for me to understand them, guide them, lead them and empower them to find success both on and off the field.”

A native of Rhode Island, Feix started playing softball at a young age and fell in love with the game after earning her first trophy. Feix worked her way up through the recreational and travel ball circuits as a catcher before deciding to try her hand at pitching.

As a sophomore, Feix helped lead her high school team to its first softball state championship. She went on to pitch at the University of Massachusetts for three years before blowing out her shoulder.

Feix spent the next three years serving as an assistant coach at neighboring Amherst College before deciding to go back to school.

Feix received her master’s degree in education from Arizona State University in 2012. While in Arizona, Feix served as an assistant coach under Rich Hamilton at Red Mountain High, which has won five-consecutive state championships.

“I feel very blessed at this point in my life to have had excellent mentors and teachers along the way,” Feix says.

Feix moved in June 2013 to East County and shortly thereafter she assumed her first head coaching position at Plant City High, where she saw her team advance to the regional semifinals.

Looking to be closer to her family, Feix applied for the coaching position at Lakewood earlier this year.

“I heard about the opportunity here and after talking about it with coach Cummins, it reminded me a lot of Red Mountain,” Feix says. “I was fortunate to coach there. Hopefully I can use that experience to help lead this Lakewood Ranch team and continue the tradition of excellence that coach Cummins put into place.”
Feix didn’t know much about Lakewood and its softball tradition when she applied for the position, but talking with Cummins and getting to know the girls, she’s gained an appreciation for the Mustangs’ competitive spirit.

Lakewood has been busy conditioning in preparation for the upcoming season, which officially begins Jan. 12.

At that point, Feix can begin working with the girls and building off of last season’s successes, which included a district championship and a berth in the regional finals.

“They have no idea how excited I am to work with them,” Feix says. “I’ve never been more excited for a season. The more experience that I have the more comfortable I become, and I feel like I can put my own stamp on it.

“I have high expectations for myself and my players,” Feix says. “I want everyone, especially the seniors, to buy into the season. It’s not about next year. It’s about finishing strong and leaving a lasting legacy for your teammates and the program.”

Contact Jen Blanco at [email protected].