🏆 16/18U Coach of the Year – Hannah Carriveau 🏆
Team:
Scheels
Years of Experience Coaching Fastpitch:
2 Years
About Coach Carriveau:
Hannah Carriveau, the 21-year-old coach of the 18U Scheels program, has been passionate about softball since she was a child. During her high school years at Fargo South, she played every position on the field except pitcher, starting as a catcher and first baseman in her freshman and sophomore years before moving to center field for her junior and senior years. In addition to softball, she also played basketball at South. Hannah's love for the game was inspired by her mother (Rachel), who played softball in high school. When her mother was unable to continue coaching in 2023, Hannah stepped in as head coach and has never looked back. She is proud of her team’s accomplishments, including a 6th place finish at the West Fargo tournament in 2024. Outside of coaching, Hannah works full-time at a hair salon in West Fargo.
Coaching Philosophy and Evolution:
Hannah is a straightforward and dedicated coach who values clear communication and high expectations. She ensures that her players always know what’s happening, where they need to be, and what’s expected of them. She is open and honest about their performance, pushing them to give 100% while also making sure they have fun in the process.
Balancing Winning and Player Development:
While winning is important, Hannah believes that it’s not everything. She emphasizes to her players that the most crucial aspect is how they play as a team and how they grow individually.
Most Important Trait for a Coach:
Mutual respect. Hannah believes that if you respect your players, they will respect you in return.
Building Team Chemistry and Positive Culture:
Hannah focuses on fun team activities and emphasizes daily communication to build a strong, positive team culture.
Approach to Coaching Different Skill Levels and Personalities:
Hannah tailors her coaching style to fit each player's needs. She understands that some girls need to see things demonstrated, while others respond better to direct conversations. It’s all about knowing her players and understanding how they interact with their teammates.
Keeping Players Motivated:
Hannah strives for greatness and always acts as her players’ biggest cheerleader, even when they’re having a tough game.
Biggest Coaching Influences:
Hannah’s biggest influences have been her parents, both of whom played sports. She has also learned a great deal from various coaches at the college and professional levels, across different sports.
Staying Current with Trends and Techniques:
Hannah stays up-to-date with the latest in fastpitch by watching games and staying active on social media, where she learns from different coaching videos.
Significant Challenge and Learning Experience:
One challenge Hannah has faced is getting too close to her players, which made it difficult for them to distinguish between her role as a coach and as a friend. She has since learned how to maintain that balance.
Most Memorable Coaching Moment:
Hannah’s most memorable moment came during the final games of the season against West Fargo 16-18U. Her team played with all their heart, and despite thinking they might lose, they won both games—a fantastic way to end the season.
Advice for New Coaches:
Hannah’s advice to new coaches is to trust their instincts. She believes that everyone makes mistakes, and those mistakes are opportunities to learn and grow.
Coaching Legacy:
Hannah hopes to leave a legacy of confidence. She wants her players to leave her coaching feeling strong and self-assured both on and off the field.
Honorable Mentions (16/18U):
Matt Veit (Bright Futures), Ryan Leroux (Dakota Selects)
Schedule of Announcements:
10U – Vance Christianson (Dakota Selects)
12U – Bonnie Carrete (Scheels)
14U – Adam Kaldor (Scheels)
16/18U – Hannah Carriveau (Scheels)
Program Coach of the Year – Monday, September 9