JOHN KOVACH | Colleges Shannon Kohl is All-American

NORTH CANTON -- One of the main reasons that Shannon Kohl of Austintown has become the Walsh University softball team's first NAIA first-team All-American is experience.
"My parents got me started playing when I was 5 years old, and I played every year after that," said Kohl, a junior center-fielder and left-handed hitter. "I loved it [softball] right off the bat and stuck with it. And that probably is the biggest reason I am doing so well at this point -- the early start and all the years of experience."
Kohl, a graduate of Fitch High, led Walsh in eight categories -- hitting (.465), hits (80), at-bats (172), runs scored (43), stolen bases (32-for-33), on-base percentage (.474), slugging percentage (.581) and triples (five) -- en route to making school history.
She led the Cavaliers to a 30-22 record and a third-place tie in the American Mideast Conference under coach Ed Vargo, who previously coached at Jackson-Milton High before shifting to Malone College as an assistant and then to Walsh for the top post.
Vargo, in his eighth season at Walsh, shows a 221-142 record over the span. He led the Cavaliers to AMC titles in 1999 and 2000, and was named AMC and NAIA Great Lakes Region Coach of the Year in 2000.
Teammates' support
Kohl also credits her teammates for providing motivation and support that she believes have made her better.
"My teammates have been very helpful. They push hard for the team as a whole to improve, especially the seniors. The team had confidence in me, and that confidence helped me a lot mentally," said Kohl, who thinks she evolved into a leader.
"Being a junior, I think in certain instances they did [look to me for leadership], but we had three captains [and] four seniors."
Although not a captain this season, she already has been named to serve in that capacity for her senior campaign.
Kohl also has the distinction of owning the highest career batting average at Walsh with .436, while ranking in the top 10 in five other career categories.
Kohl said this season has been her best since coming to Walsh, even though she had a slightly better batting average last year.
"I hit .468 last year, but my numbers were better this year because I was injured last year. I had more at bats and hits this year. I missed about 10 games last year because of a back injury and a concussion," explained Kohl, who is very fast and a constant threat to steal when she reaches base.
"My stolen bases went up a lot from last year. I had only about 18 stolen bases [last year], half as much as this year. I have been getting on base more, and I've had no injuries. My speed is good. I do have quickness," said Kohl, whose 32 stolen bases led the AMC.
She also made the All-AMC first team for the second year in a row, while her .468 batting average last season led the AMC.
In summer league
Kohl will try to actualize her skills even more this summer when she competes in a women's softball league in Akron.
"I will be playing in a women's league at Firestone Stadium in Akron," said Kohl, who is joining the league because a Walsh teammate, sophomore Nicole Baumgardner, plays on a team coached by her father, Dave Baumgardner.
Kohl said that previous summer work schedules had prevented her from playing.
"I haven't played summer softball for awhile. The last time was when I was in high school. My work schedule [this summer] is such that I can play softball."
Kohl will work for Starbucks in Boardman "making coffee," she pointed out. She previously worked for Starbucks in North Canton, and last summer worked at a summer camp.
Kohl will use the summer league to set the stage for what she hopes will be her biggest season yet as a senior.
No interest in pro ball
"I hope to have better numbers [next season] and to make All-American again," said Kohl, who has no real interest in professional softball.
"People ask me but I really haven't thought about it. I probably won't try to play professionally," said Kohl, who is majoring in sociology and plans to graduate in the fall of 2003.
She hopes to obtain employment within court systems or in law enforcement.
Kohl is the daughter of Michele and Joseph Chance and Ed Kohl, all of Austintown.
Also with the Walsh team are Natalie Voytek, a freshman outfielder from Cortland Lakeview High; and Jessica Lendi, a junior outfielder from Poland High. Voytek played in 22 games and batted .205, while Lendi played in six games.