ELLSWORTH — Kasey Bass, an Ellsworth High School industrial technology teacher and player for the Ellsworth Hubbers, was hired as the next head coach for the high school baseball team.

“We're excited to have Coach Bass step into this role! He's been part of the baseball and football coaching staff the last few years. He has a playing background, both in college and for the Hubbers, which makes us thrilled to see him take over the program,” Ellsworth Athletic Director Kevin Haglund said. “As a teacher and a coach for multiple sports, Coach Bass fosters exceptional relationships with our students and athletes. His passion and knowledge of the game will vastly benefit our programs, from the youth to high school levels.”

Bass was promoted from his role as an assistant for the team. He is already familiar with the team’s returning players, which he said will be extremely helpful as he gets started.

“It will be great having so many previously established relationships with kids,” Bass said. “Makes that transition a little bit more seamless.”

Bass also has experience playing college baseball at UW-Stout. Originally from Sun Prairie, Bass majored in Technology Education and played on the Stout baseball team from 2017-21.

“It’s an awesome responsibility to have to make an impact on a bunch of kids’ lives,” Bass said. “Try to make them the best versions of themselves on and off the field.”

After the hiring, Bass has already started talking to potential assistant coaches and returning players. He is trying to pin down the things they need to change and what they want to keep the same.

“I want to focus on having pride in what we do,” Bass said. “If we do all the details right, the wins will naturally follow.”

The Panthers have some solid returning talent sprinkled throughout the position groups. If they can focus on themselves and the details, Bass believes they have what it takes.

“We’re playing ourselves,” Bass said. “As long as we can do the details right and execute, we should be in a good spot to win every game.”