Kurt Basler Named Softball Dream Team Coach Of The Year

(Ste. Genevieve) The Valle Catholic softball team won the Class One state championship in the spring. In turn, coach Kurt Basler was voted as the Softball Dream Team Coach of the Year. Basler has the head coach since 2015. He’s honored to get this recognition from his peers and everyone in the community.

The Warriors avenged a regular season loss to Ellington by beating the Whippets 4-0 in the semifinals. Valle Catholic defeated Concordia 2-1 in nine innings in the championship game. Only two seniors were on the roster: Emily Flieg and Macy Wolk. Basler credits them for pushing the Warriors to their fullest potential.

Basler says he’s re-watched the championship game and enjoyed a couple of moments in particular.

A sea of blue flooded over the stadium at the Killian Sports Complex for the championship game. Basler wanted to thank the community for making the trek to Springfield and supporting them when they arrived back in Ste. Genevieve.

It’s the 28th state championship overall for Valle Catholic High School, but the first for the softball program. Sophomore pitcher Abree Zipprich was named Co-Player of the Year. The Warriors ended the season with a record of 20-3.

Full interview: