New Jersey Softball Head Coach Announces A Sad News…

New Jersey Softball Head Coach Voices Concerns Over Player’s Performance, Cites “Lack of Confidence”

 

May 12, 2025 | Trenton, NJ – In a candid and unexpected statement that has sent shockwaves through New Jersey’s collegiate sports community, the head coach of the New Jersey Softball program, Amanda Callahan, expressed a lack of confidence in one of her team’s starting players during a post-game press conference Sunday afternoon.

The comment, made in response to a reporter’s question about recent player rotations and in-game decisions, centered around sophomore shortstop Dani Reyes, who has been struggling with consistency both at the plate and in the field this season.

 

“To be honest, we’re at a point where we’re not seeing the level of focus, execution, or confidence that’s needed at this level,” Coach Callahan said. “Right now, we don’t have full confidence in Dani’s ability to carry out what’s expected of her in tight game situations. And that’s something we need to address—not just with her, but as a team.”

Callahan, now in her fifth season as head coach, is known for her usually supportive and development-focused coaching style. This public criticism marks a rare moment of direct accountability in what has been a frustrating season for the once-promising squad. The New Jersey Hawks have lost four of their last six games, including two against conference rivals in crucial playoff positioning battles.

 

The comment sparked immediate reaction from media, fans, and athletic staff, with many interpreting the remarks as a bold challenge to Reyes to either step up her performance or risk losing her starting role.

 

Reyes, a second-year starter who came into the season with high expectations, has been mired in a season-long slump, batting just .212 with nine errors over 26 games. Despite flashes of brilliance—including a walk-off single in early April—her inconsistency has been a noticeable liability for a team struggling to find its identity.

 

“I was surprised by the coach’s statement, to be honest,” one anonymous teammate told local reporters. “We all know Dani’s been having a tough run, but we’re a team—we lift each other up. Hopefully this motivates her, not tears her down.”

 

Athletic Director Sharon Kim released a brief statement late Sunday supporting Coach Callahan’s leadership while also emphasizing the university’s commitment to player development and well-being.

 

“We support Coach Callahan’s approach and her commitment to holding players accountable while fostering their growth,” Kim stated. “This program is built on hard work, resilience, and trust. We believe in our athletes and in their ability to overcome adversity.”

 

The timing of the comments is particularly sensitive, as the Hawks face a must-win series next weekend against Long Island State to remain in playoff contention. It’s unclear whether Reyes will remain in the starting lineup or if the coaching staff will explore alternate options.

 

Social media reactions have been mixed, with some fans praising Callahan’s honesty and willingness to call out underperformance, while others criticize the public nature of the comments, arguing it could damage player morale and team unity.

 

“If you’re going to question a player’s confidence, you do it in private,” one former player tweeted. “This isn’t leadership—it’s scapegoating.”

 

Callahan is expected to meet with the team privately on Monday, with sources close to the program suggesting that player-coach meetings are already underway to clear the air and refocus ahead of the critical games ahead.

 

Meanwhile, Reyes has not yet publicly responded to the comments. Observers within the program say the young infielder has shown resilience in the past and may use the criticism as fuel for a comeback.

 

As the postseason looms, all eyes will be on how the New Jersey Hawks—and Reyes herself—respond to a rare moment of public scrutiny in an ot

herwise tightly-knit program.