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| Windham High varsity softball coach Fred Wilcox talks to a player during a prep softball game against Falmouth on June 10. Wilcox was recently voted as 'Coach of the Year' by the Southern Maine Activities Association. He has been a part of various Windham softball programs as a coach since 2008. PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA |
Windham varsity softball coach Fred Wilcox had an amazing season in 2021. His team finished 16-3 after they made it to the Class A South semifinal where they played an incredible game. Recognizing this achievement, the Southern Maine Activities Association (SMAA) has voted Wilcox the “Coach of the Year.”
The SMAA “Coach of the Year” is voted on by other SMAA coaches and traditionally the award is given to the coach who other coaches feel gets the most out of their team.
Wilcox has been involved with Windham softball in some form since 2008. He’s been a coach for Windham Little League, Windham Middle School and an assistant coach and head coach for Windham High School.
Wilcox moved around a bit growing up, but sports got him involved. He wanted to become a coach because he had great coaches as a kid.
“I really enjoy being on the field. I love watching the players come together and work as a team,” said Wilcox. “It prepares them for a lot of what happens in life. Sports are a great way for them to learn how to deal with adversity. And being a coach gives me an opportunity to give back to players what other coaches have taught me.”
Sports was an outlet for Wilcox who had great mentors like Westbrook Little League coach Louie Lampron that kept him involved and on the right track. When Wilcox’s two daughters started out in sports, Wilcox wanted to be there for them and other young players the way Lampron was there for him and many other players.
“I think it’s really a two-year body of work for Fred to get this years’ recognition,” said Windham Athletic Director Rich Drummond. “In 2020 when the season was cancelled Fred did an excellent job in maintaining communication with his players and celebrating his kids in a very difficult situation. That carried into this season and the team had a very productive year which will lay the foundation for future seasons.”
Since the team is so talented, Wilcox was able to push them harder as a coach. Although the team is younger, they have a lot of experience with the game. Wilcox’s coaching staff coupled with these skilled athletes was a recipe for success.
For outgoing senior Ellen Files, Wilcox’s coaching style is both challenging and rewarding. She says he has faith in every player. He pushes his team because he knows they can do better. Files said Wilcox really made this a year to remember.
“I’ve coached at every level from Little League to College Showcase,” said Wilcox. “I believe that experience allows me to connect with every type of player that steps on our field. I’m able to recognize what a player should focus on to make them a better all-around player.”
It was a great honor for Wilcox to be named SMAA “Coach of the Year.” There are many great coaches in the conference. It made him feel like he was doing something right to be selected by the other coaches. He gives a lot of credit to the team. His team made coaching fun and easy this season.
Wilcox’s outlook for future seasons and teams is a bright one for many years to come. He knows there’s a lot of talent coming through and he’s looking forward to many successful years at the helm of Windham softball. <
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