Former LSU softball players Trena Peel and Britni Sneed still wear the purple and gold, but now see the game from a different perspective as student coaches.
Head coach Yvette Girouard said the “mere presence” of the two All-Americans helps the team tremendously.
“They lead by their actions and by their talent,” said Girouard. “And they have a wealth of knowledge to share with our student-athletes.” Peel started in the outfield all four years of her career at LSU. She earned honors last season as the Southeastern Conference softball player of the year and as a second team All-American. Peel also placed second all-time among SEC players with 27 triples and led the nation last season in the category with 14.
This season Peel takes on the role of batting coach and also helps in the outfield. Mostly, Peel works with the slap-bunters, those who bat left-handed in an attempt to get on base safely by swinging at the ball and running toward first base in one motion.
Returning as a coach appeals to Peel because she can “give back” to the program. She believes her playing experience helps her as a coach to know what the players feel because she has “been there” before.
Peel said having another year of playing eligibility would be nice, but she knows the experience as a coach will help her find a coaching job after she graduates in May.
“I love the coaching aspect of it because that’s what I’m going into,” Peel said.
The Lady Tigers gain just as much with Sneed from the pitching aspect as they do with Peel from the hitting aspect.
While playing for LSU, Sneed earned All-American honors three times. Most recently, Sneed received the first ever John Langan, an award offered to an LSU senior who graduated with achievements academically, athletically and socially. Sneed also set four SEC records including 120 victories, 55 shutouts, 1,257.1 innings pitched and 1,370 strikeouts. In fact, Sneed ranks fourth all-time in the NCAA for strikeouts.
As a pitching coach for the Lady Tigers, Sneed sees a different perspective than she did as a player. Sneed said she offers help to the team on and off the field.
“I’m here for any physical needs as far as me pitching to them daily or just mental aspects,” she said.
Sneed appreciates the opportunity to coach at a top 10 program. She admires Girouard as a coach and aspires to match her success in the future.
“Coach Girouard has laid a great foundation over at UL, and she has built this program already in just three years,” Sneed said. “She’s definitely someone to look up to as far as being a coach.”
Winning on the field is not the most important priority for Sneed. She wants to make a difference in the lives of those who surround her.
“Whatever I can do just to work with people and help people out … that’s what I benefit from the most,” Sneed said.