When Calvary Day School's softball players take the field, Calvary Day head softball coach Shelby Antle wants them to do more than play the game. As the school's new head softball coach, she is focused on developing her players' skills, forming strong relationships with her team, and continuing to improve the program.
Originally from Ohio and a graduate of Ohio University, Antle recently moved to Savannah and joined Calvary Day School. In addition to leading the softball program, she teaches seventh-grade life science at the school.
Calvary Day head softball coach Shelby Antle watches the action during a Cavaliers softball game. Antle played four seasons of Division I softball at Ohio University before beginning her coaching career. Photo by Calvary Day School Athletics Department
Although she is only 22 years old, Antle brings experience as a Division I softball player, having played four years at Ohio University. Before becoming Calvary's head coach, she also gave hitting lessons and helped coach a younger travel ball team.
Antle said she was not ready to leave softball behind after finishing her college career.
“I wasn't ready to be done,” Antle said. “I loved working with girls, and I wanted to pass all my passion for the game to the next generation.”
As a coach, Antle sees every practice as an opportunity to turn small improvements into big results. She pushes her players to master the fundamentals, sharpen their technique, and understand the strategy behind each play.
Rather than simply telling players what they need to do, Antle believes a strong coach must understand each athlete and find ways to help them reach their potential. She wants to create a place where athletes can communicate openly, trust one another, and work toward the same goals.
Calvary Day head softball coach Shelby Antle talks with her players during a game at Calvary Day School. Antle is in her first season leading the Cavaliers softball program. Photo by Calvary Day School Athletics Department
Antle also wants her players to enjoy softball while continuing to work hard and improve. Her vision for Calvary softball is to build a competitive, connected team centered on God. She hopes her players remain faithful, thankful for the opportunity to play, and competitive through both success and failure.
For Antle, creating that kind of team also means teaching her players how to respond when things do not go their way. A successful program is not built only through victories. It is likewise shaped by adversity, mistakes, and the ability to come back stronger.
Calvary Day head softball coach Shelby Antle is focused on developing the Cavaliers program and building confidence in her players. hoto by Calvary Day School Athletics Department
That resilience was tested in Calvary's recent game against Savannah Christian. Although the Cavaliers lost 23-19, the game showed the determination of a team that is still developing. Several of the players are new to the sport, with some having never played softball before joining the team.
Despite their lack of experience, the Cavaliers continued competing and scored 19 runs. Antle said the accomplishment was especially meaningful because the team had not scored before that game.
“Putting up 19 runs against the team is an excellent feat,” Antle said. “Up until that point, we hadn't scored a run yet.”
While the loss was disappointing, Antle sees games like this as valuable learning experiences. She wants her players to meet challenges without losing confidence and recognize how much they can accomplish when they continue fighting for one another.
Antle said her main goal this season is to continue developing the program and rebuilding her players' confidence.
“Our goal for the season is just to continue to grow and build confidence back in this program,” Antle said. “We need these girls to have confidence in themselves again in order to grow from there.”
Calvary Day head softball coach Shelby Antle is focused on developing the Cavaliers program and building confidence in her players. Photo by Calvary Day School Athletics Department
As the season continues, Antle is focused on coaching her players through the challenges ahead and helping them discover what they can accomplish together. She wants to shape Calvary's program into something special while teaching her players lessons they can carry with them away from the field.
The scoreboard may have belonged to Savannah Christian that day, but the game revealed something more important about Calvary softball.
This is a team with room to grow and the determination to keep fighting. Under Antle's leadership, the Cavaliers are beginning a new phase for the program, one that will be measured not only by wins and losses, but by how much the players grow along the way.
That is a strong showing for local football.
The Prep Sports Report Student Correspondent Program is proudly sponsored by Optim Orthopedics, supporting Savannah-area student-athletes and the next generation telling their stories.
Team physicians include Dr. Don Aaron (Bryan County), Dr. David Sedory (Benedictine, Bradwell Institute, Liberty County), Dr. David Palmer (Calvary Day, Richmond Hill, South Effingham), and Dr. Thomas Alexander (Savannah Country Day, St. Vincent’s Academy).
Photos courtesy of Calvary Day School Athletics Department
Follow Prep Sports Report on X @PrepSav and Instagram @savannahsportsreport.
To share scores, story ideas, or corrections, email kdemasi@prepsportsreport.com or text 912.507.9158.
