Salem CC softball moves

Pennsville’s Watson, former D-III All-American Bryszewski join Mighty Oaks’ coaching staff

By Al Muskewitz
Riverview Sports News

PENNSVILLE – What started off as a simple phone call just to gauge interest in coaching at the next level developed into an unexpected opportunity for Pennsville Little League softball coach Chris Watson.

Watson, the Pennsville LL president and head coach of the league’s 2023 Senior Softball World Series team, is joining Salem Community College coach Angel Rodriguez’ staff as an assistant coach.

“It kind of came as a surprise,” Watson said. “I never really thought about it before; I’m super thankful by wife was OK with it. I wasn’t expecting it to go over very well, but she’s actually kind of excited. I’m pretty pumped.”

Watson has developed this latest wave of Pennsville LL softball players into a state and regional summertime power. Last year’s team continued its progression through district, sectional and state titles, swept through the East Regional and finished seventh in the Little League Senior Softball World Series. Current Salem CC assistant Mackenzie Freas is one of Watson’s assistants.

It is about to embark on the defense of all those titles in a couple weeks.

The Mighty Oaks had an historic season in 2024. They won a school-record 31 games, enjoyed a school-record 19-game winning streak in the middle of the season and won a game in the Region XIX Tournament. Shortstop Ella Hayes was the Region XIX Player of the Year.

Assistant coach Chad Zearfoss has left the staff after three seasons to become the head softball coach at Cecil (Md.) College.

Rodriguez said adding Watson and Josie Bryszewski to the staff “will help tremendously.” He said specific coaching roles will start taking shape once off-season meetings begin, but Watson is eager to start. Bryszewski, a standout pitcher at Immaculata, was a Division III All-American at Moravian, where she most recently served as pitching coach.

“I want to learn all this stuff, all the recruiting and how colleges run practices and games,” he said. “I’m interested in all the little things they do differently.”

Earlier in the week, the Oaks announced several of their veterans have signed to play at four-year schools: Karyn Trice (Chestnut Hill), Haylee Pickrell (Chestnut Hill), Courtney Hoggard (Elizabeth City State), Morgan Mecham (Delaware Valley), Vaye Savage (Rider) and Caitlin LaGreca (Rosemont).

Among the signees they have landed to fill those spots include Pennsville’s Bella Rappa and Lilly Peverelle.

“We’re excited to get the incoming and returners on campus and begin rolling … should be a great squad we have ready to roll,” Rodriguez said. “Adding in Josie and Chris to our staff will help tremendously.”