Rick Tanguay
BY BRIAN RZEPPA
After taking the reins from legendary coach John Biedenbach in 2020, new Trenton High School softball coach Rick Tanguay was ready to hit the ground running as the spring rolled around.
His debut season leading the Trojans was delayed however, with the 2020 spring sports schedule being wiped out due to COVID. With the all clear from state officials, 2021 is shaping up to be a big year for Tanguay and the Trojans.
Though the high school season was cancelled last year, many players on this year’s team had the opportunity to play throughout the summer on various club teams. As the lineup begins to take shape, Tanguay is optimistic in the talent that the team has top to bottom.
“We have three seniors that are scheduled to return: Olivia Raymond, Kayla Everingham and Alayna Mulford and all three are impact players. Our junior class is loaded with talent. Junior Lilly Vallimont is a transfer from Cabrini and she is rated as one of the top 10 players in the country,” Tanguay said.
“Juniors Olivia Hickman, Sophia Castillo, Alia Johnson, Rhylee Smith, Jenna Burns, Ginna Lesko and Madelyn Howe will also be in the mix. We have several talented sophomores, too and we are really excited about our freshman class. We have 12 freshmen that are all working hard for a spot on the varsity team. They will push the upperclassman and that will only make us better.”
The addition of Vallimont, especially, cannot be understated. As Tanguay noted, she is one of the top players in the country and recently was named the top player in the state of Michigan by recruiting outlet MaxPreps. Committed to Northwestern since eighth grade, Vallimont will provide a huge punch within the Trojans lineup and will be a steady presence behind the plate.
Confident in his own team, Tanguay is also aware of how historically competitive the Downriver League has been.
“The Downriver League is loaded with talent. Allen Park has been at the top of the league for many years and Coach (Michael) Kish always has his team performing at a high level. Woodhaven with Coach (Jeff) Harris and Gibraltar Carlson with Coach (Hillary) Mohr will be all be very strong teams and they will provide some great games.”
The team was looking forward to playing on a revamped field, but unfortunately the impact of COVID is still being felt on high school sports. Still needing an infield, Tanguay is anticipating to be able to play home games starting in May.
Despite the challenges caused by playing on the road, Tanguay has high hopes for his roster and feels this could be a special group.
“With our returning players and our young talent, we are setting our expectations high. We want to win the League, District, and beyond. We know it will take hard work but we will expect that from our players.”
Being able to take home a string of championships would be an ideal start to his Trenton High School head coaching career, but Tanguay is placing his focus on taking things one day at a time.
“To be successful we first want the players to have fun and work hard. Passion and enthusiasm are the seeds we will plant at each practice and game. If we are working hard and having fun the wins will start to pile up.”
With the returning talent from previous years paired with an influx of new blood like Vallimont and the underclassmen, Tanguay will have plenty of talent to work with and should provide stiff competition for the rest of the Downriver League.