Plum City High School math teacher Liz Hauser was named the next head coach of EPC softball. Hauser plans to focus on student-athlete confidence and an increase in youth participation for the Wolves.

Hauser grew up in Whitehall, attended UW-Eau Claire and taught in Madison and Rochester, Minn., before moving to Plum City. Hauser has taught in the Plum City district for three years.

While Hauser has previous volleyball coaching experience, the biggest advantage has been the teaching experience.

“I think the thing that is going to help me with coaching the most is just all the teaching experience I have. Coaching is very similar to teaching,” Hauser said.

Hauser stressed the importance of helping student-athletes maximize their potential, using different coaching methods to meet each of their needs.

“I want to help the athletes be confident in their knowledge of softball, their technique, just so that they feel like they have the tools they need to be successful in the game,” Hauser said. “Sometimes we’re our own worst enemy, and if I can help them feel confident and competent in their abilities as far as softball goes, not only will they be better players because they’re going to feel ready, prepared and excited to show what they know, I think that can also bleed into their life in general.”

Beyond softball, Hauser hopes the confidence takes shape in life, with the students being more prepared and comfortable beyond high school.

A key aspect of the hiring process for EPC was finding a coach who will focus on getting more youth involved in softball. In the days of declining enrollment throughout Wisconsin, smaller schools are increasingly facing the challenge of fielding full sports teams.

“Getting involved with those teams in the summer is something that I’m looking forward to doing,” Hauser said. “Eventually I’d like to do some camps for students in the summer as well, just because maybe if someone goes to a camp, they’ll realize how much they love softball and they’ll want to be a part of the team when they get to be old enough.”

Hauser also emphasized the importance of knowing the Plum City and Elmwood districts already. Combined with the help of EPC Athletic Director Mike Birtzer, Hauser has received a ton of outside support, with people willing to come in and help the team hone their skills right away.

“I’ve just had the most supportive welcome,” Hauser said. “Because I’ve worked here for a couple years and I live in the community, people know me… I feel really supported and I think that’s awesome.”