There will be a new but familiar leader of Midview Softball beginning in 2021-22, as former standout Cassie Haight '16 was approved as the Superintendent's recommendation at the September 22 Board of Education meeting.
“I’d like to welcome Cassie back to Middie Nation,” Athletics Director Dan May said. “She was a great leader during her days as a student and added more valuable experience while at Ashland University. I am confident Cassie will be a great advocate for our players and provide them with guidance to succeed as young women on and off the field.”
Haight will replace veteran Mike Ives, who retired this summer after a remarkable 16-year career and a 246-119 record. Ives guided Midview to nine (2006, 2008-12, 2004, 2017-18) of the program’s 11 league championships as well as a pair (2010 and 2011) of the team’s four district titles.
“Having this great opportunity as a head coach means a great deal to me,” Haight said. “First and foremost, I am not only excited but blessed to be working with the youth in the community I grew up in. Looking back at the successful programs and respected coaches I played for throughout my time as a Middie and now getting the opportunity to do the same is truly an honor. I am grateful to continue the traditions and success of the Midview Softball program, as well as help student-athletes grow into young successful women.”
Haight was a four-year letter woman in both volleyball and softball with the Middies. On the field, the catcher was named All-West Shore Conference (WSC) first team as a sophomore and junior and All-Southwestern Conference (SWC) first team as a senior. She also earned All-Lorain County second team as a sophomore and All-Lorain County first team as a junior and senior. Haight achieved similar success on the court as the outside hitter was a four-time All-Conference and All-County performer. She was also named the WSC Most Valuable Player as a junior in 2014.
“My experiences through high school, the recruiting process, playing at the collegiate level and working with individuals in the community everyday have prepared me for this endeavor,” Haight said. “I have participated and competed in different aspects of softball throughout my time. I have a wealth of knowledge to bring to the program, team and athletes. Many of my past experiences are experiences players are currently going through. Therefore, I can easily relate and guide athletes through their decision-making process and help obtain their goals. My experiences have made me passionate and enthusiastic about this sport, and I am ready to apply those experiences while being the head coach for the Midview Softball program.”
Haight went on to start four years of varsity softball at Ashland University where she also earned a Bachelors of Science in Social Work with minors in Family and Child Studies and Psychology. She added a Masters in Social Work from Cleveland State University in 2021.
In addition to playing softball at Ashland, Haight also coached a variety of youth teams. She was the assistant coach for a 16u team in Elyria in 2017 and then lead a 16u and 18u Explosion squad from North Ridgeville in 2018, 2019 and 2020.
“I am a firm believer that this sport has made me the person I am today,” Haight said. “When the girls step out on the field my goal is to not only implement skill work and a competitive mentality but truly teach young athletes the importance of respect, consistency, confidence, good morals, the love of the game, and most importantly, how to become their next best self. I am very excited to see what these athletes have to offer and what we will accomplish this season.”
Haight recently became a social worker with the Medina County Department of Job and Family Services. She served a similar role for the Ashland County since March 0f 2020.
“My immediate plans are getting to know my players and discovering our goals as a team together,” Haight said. “It is important to understand the strengths and weaknesses of my players, as well as knowing what keeps them motivated throughout the season. As a head coach, my most important role is to guide and provide support as well as opportunities for these student-athletes. The long-term outlook for Midview Softball is not only having multiple winning seasons, but to also have a respectable and successful program young women and community members are proud to say they are a part of.”
Midview finished 13-13 and advanced to the District Semifinal in 2021. The Middies will look to replace three seniors that combined for 10 varsity letters but have a talented young corps of experienced ball players ready to make larger impacts on the program. The 2022 schedule is still being finalized, but the Middies are slated to open SWC play at home against Olmsted Falls on March 31.