Silver City, NM - After a tremendous start to the 2020 season, the softball season was cut short just 21 games into the season due to Covid-19. This fall, Head Coach Elsa Cocker and Assistant Coach Shyenne Hussey have been pushing the girls to hard than ever, hoping to make a statement when season comes

Focusing the team culture on accountability, work ethic, and family, Coach Cocker explains "the team is self-driven and kind, and are motivated in working towards future career goals all while competing at the highest level." 

Originally from Ewa Beach, Hawai'i, Coach Cocker spent two years with the Trinity Valley Community College Lady Cardinals of Athens, Texas, working with hitters and outfielders. Prior to TVCC, Coach Cocker spent a year as a student assistant for her alma mater, Angelo State University working with hitters and infielders. 

Starting her collegiate career, Cocker played two years at Midland College, where she was a two-time First Team All-Conference player, All-Region player, Team Defensive Player and in her final season she was named a 3rd Team All-American. 

Cocker played her last two seasons at ASU, getting her Bachelor's Interdisciplinary Studies in English, Sociology and Kinesiology. During her time as a Ram, she helped lead the Rams to a conference and regional championship, was First Team All-Conference her senior year and Second Team All-Conference her junior year, and LSC Player of the Year, First Team All-American 3rd basemen and the Lone Star Conference Female Athlete of the Year her senior year.

 As she enters her fourth year for the Mustangs, this year has been nothing but normal. Part of this year of change, Cocker has implemented a new strength and conditioning program.

Coach Kini Cocker, WNMU's Defensive Line Football Coach and husband to Head Coach Elsa Cocker, has taken over the strength and conditioning program. "The girls are pushing themselves in the weight room and are seeing their results on the field" said Coach Elsa Cocker.

As Coach Kini has been getting more out of the girls in the weight room, Coach Elsa Cocker is seeing the motivation, communication and their knowledge of the game improve. 

"Team chemistry is alive and thriving, and I am ecstatic to watch my girls compete in the spring," said Coach Cocker.

Coach Cocker credits Assistant Coach Shyenne Hussey for the improvements this fall saying "Coach Hussey, is a raw competitor that ignites the innate aggressiveness that our athletes are sometimes afraid to tap into while on the field. She connects with the girls and grasps an understanding of how each girl operates."

Hussey, also native of Hawai'i, is from Waimanalo on the island of O'ahu. Making her way to Eastern Kentucky University, Hussey earned numerous awards and led the Colonels in five offensive categories, Batting Average, Slugging Percentage, Base on Balls and Hit by Pitch. 

As a freshman she was OVC Second Team and All-Newcomer Honors, led the conference in 8 offensive categories followed by a sophomore year earning First Team and All-Tournament Team honors and led the Colonels in 9 offensive categories. In Hussey's junior and senior campaign she earned First Team and Second Team OVC honors. Topping her playing career off, Hussey was elected to the EKU Hall of Fame in 2018.

The mindset of Coach Cocker and Coach Hussey is to compete and play with a vengeance. Hussey explains, This team holds one another accountable and does not take it personal. They communicate well and work tirelessly on and off the field setting extraordinary goals they can achieve.  

Hussey acknowledges Coach Cocker's drive to develop her and the  team saying, "Elsa has helped me develop as a coach by having open discussions about practice plans in implementing new ideas on how to improve all skill sets."

"Elsa is very knowledgeable about the game, always learning and knows what it takes to win. She is very passionate, is a hard worker, loves challenges" said Hussey. " I want to thank Elsa for this opportunity to fulfill the dream of my family and more importantly my Dad's, who passed away October 17, 2018...  This is for him!"

Coach Cocker is excited for the spring saying " It has been a whirlwind of what-ifs and It will be great to get back to somewhat of a normal schedule and compete on the road. My pitching staff is doing well, continuing to work hard, and evolve as pitchers. I am extremely excited to watch Bryana Munoz () and Vanessa Hunt () compete, there are two completely different pitchers that both bring the competitive edge that we are needing."
 
Coach Cocker concludes saying "Alaka'i you're my greatest motivator although you are no longer here on Earth I will continue our dream.  All my love Els."