Christenson Determined to Build Spartans Softball

Veteran softball coach William Christenson is ready to hit the field running this summer as he begins recruiting student-athletes for Cayuga Community College Softball.

Christenson was hired this spring as the new head coach for Spartans Softball, and is determined to revitalize the program through active recruiting, physical training and an equal focus on academics and skill development.

"Coach Christenson has an excellent background in softball coaching, skill and athletic training, and recruiting," said Cayuga Athletic Director John Rizzo. "His work in the area with softball travel programs has been outstanding, and we look forward to him bringing the same enthusiasm and dedication to our program at Falcon Park."

"I have a real passion for helping students. I see coaching and playing at Cayuga as an opportunity for anyone who wants to compete. I'm here to help students develop their skills, to build on the foundation they set in high school, and to help them use their time here as a springboard to something greater," said Christenson.

Christenson is a familiar name on the softball travel ball circuit. He's spent close to a decade coaching softball, including four years in local travel softball.

Part of his approach is a dedication to skills training. For a year he regularly rented space in a local gym where he held open skills practice. Any player 8-12 years of age was able to attend free of charge, developing the skills they'd use in the years ahead on the field.

Currently he's the softball general manager for a local travel organization, Academy Baseball and Softball. He'll continue with the 14-and-under league along with leading Cayuga's program.

Christenson said he sees competing at the junior college level as an opportunity on the field, but also a pathway to help players prepare for their future. To succeed in the classroom and on the field, he plans to implement a rigorous training program and mandatory study halls.

To see playing time, student-athletes will need to dedicate themselves on and off the field.

"We need to do well in class to move forward. Between excelling in the classroom and on the field, student-athletes may have a chance at scholarships when they look to transfer after graduating from Cayuga," he said. "We will work to set a proper foundation in both the classroom and the field to make that possible for as many of our student-athletes as possible."

"Nothing is going to be given. It has to be earned," he added.

Christenson is spending the summer actively recruiting for the program, including attending softball events and tournaments in the region. Interested student-athletes can contact him at softball@cayuga-cc.edu.