Hallie Coots was a center fielder who could also play a number of other positions.
Catcher wasn’t one of them.
The Nokomis High School of Newport freshman had caught for her talented sister, Mia, during her winter workouts. But that’s a far cry from catching in a game with someone in the batter’s box.
When Nokomis desperately needed a catcher because Megan Watson graduated a year ago,
Hallie Coots accepted the challenge and has been a key component in the Warriors’ second straight Class B North championship.
Nokomis, which is 17-2 and winner of 14 straight games, will take on defending champ York, 19-0, in Saturday’s 12:30 p.m. Class B state final at the University of Southern Maine in Gorham.
The teams met in the final a year ago with York winning 2-1.
“We knew we needed someone who could catch because we didn’t have anyone in the feeder program,” said Miss Maine Softball finalist Mia Coots. “Hallie had been catching my bullpen sessions in the winter and she has stepped up for us.”
Mia Coots knows her sister is an exceptional athlete, but is still impressed with Hallie’s accomplishments.
“She had never caught competitively before. For her to step in and catch in a varsity game and help lead us to the regional championship. … I can’t even explain how proud I am of her,” she said. “It’s incredible. I couldn’t ask for anything better. It’s almost impossible to step into that position and kill it like she has.”
Mia Coots said her sister has dropped only three third strikes all season.
“You bring in any other catcher and they aren’t going to be able to do that,” said Mia.
Hallie Coots said the move wasn’t planned.
“I had never thought ‘Oh, well, I’m going to be a catcher in the future,” she said. “I’ve always been an outfielder although I can play anywhere. I just thought I would catch for Mia to help her out.
“We knew nobody was going to step up so I did. I had caught for her before and it’s easier for someone who had a bond with her sister to step in,” Hallie Coots said.
It didn’t take long for her to embrace the position.
“I love it. I’m a pitcher sometimes so I can help (Mia) her with her (pitch) calls. It’s so much fun,” said Hallie Coots.
Head coach J.D. McLellan said filling the catching position was his biggest concern coming into the season but Hallie Coots was a fast learner.
“All we had to do was teach her a little bit of framing (pitches),” said McLellan. “She was already in midseason form at the start of the season.”
Hallie Coots has also been a productive hitter out of the leadoff spot.
She is hitting .396 and has an on-base percentage over .500. She has 21 hits.
“She’s a real good hitter,” said McLellan. “She wouldn’t hit leadoff if she wasn’t.”
Hallie Coots had a crucial two-run double in the 5-1 win over Old Town in the Class B North title game to back her sister’s 14-strikeout one-hitter.
McLellan said Hallie Coots is a “great athlete.
“She lifts weights. She’s strong. And she runs track a lot,” said McLellan.
McLellan said he isn’t sure where she will play next season.
“She is a great fielder. I can play her anywhere,” said McLellan. “She is an all-around player. She really is.”
The sisters are thrilled to be together playing for a state championship with this team.
“It is so beyond special. I did not expect this, if I’m being honest,” said Mia. “But this team has more passion and the best work ethic of any high school team I’ve ever played on.
“I feel blessed to be a part of it,” said Mia.
“It means so much to me,” said Hallie.
