The last time the Chaney High School Cowgirls softball team tasted victory was in 2009 when Jessica Gavin was a student.

On Wednesday, Coach Gavin led her team to an 18-8 win over Akron East, shattering that 10-year lull.

It marks the first year Chaney had fielded a softball team since 2011 when sports were shelved.

That year,  the west side high school became a visual and performing arts and STEM school for sixth through 12th graders.

CEO Krish Mohip’s reconfiguration plan, implemented at the start of the 2017-18 school year, returned Chaney to its roots, a traditional high school.

Some sports returned last school year, but the 2018-19 year saw softball’s return as well as most other sports.

“It’s significant because it just feels good to bring back a sport I’m so passionate about and to see them succeed in it,” Gavin said.

Gavin is proud of the dedication her players have demonstrated this season.

“We practice every day. We keep consistent,” she said. “We do the same things, work on the fundamentals of everything,” she said. “While doing that, we also keep things fun. We try to make sure they’re learning and having fun at the same time.”

Nick Sferra, YCSD’s assistant athletic director, believes the hard work shows. “We are extremely proud of the way Coach Gavin has been able to get the girls on track and show improvement this year at Chaney,” he said. “Coach has worked really hard to keep the girl's heads up and finish strong -- scoring 18 runs is a huge improvement and shows the positives to staying the course and working hard every day at practice. We’re extremely proud of what Jess has been able to initiate to bring back a successful softball program at Chaney High School.”

Helping Gavin with coaching duties is her father, John Gavin, and Casey Bogerd, Chaney’s athletic director, says the father-daughter coaching duo helps players with more than softball.

“This being our first year back we knew success wouldn’t be measured in wins and losses,” he said. “Both Coach Gavins have been invaluable in teaching our softball girls life lessons that they can take with them moving forward. Jess has instilled a culture of hard work in our girls, and I tell you, they have fun on that field. It’s a blast to watch, and I attribute all of that to coaching.”  

Wednesday’s success meant a lot to the team.  “They were very excited, “ Jessica Gavin said. “They couldn’t wait to go and tell everyone about it.”

The Cowgirls face Liberty at 4 p.m. today (Thursday, May 2) at Koch Field, Raccoon Road, Austintown.