FORT WASHINGTON -- Sarah Zimmerman’s fourth season as the Head Coach of Germantown Academy's softball team started in March 2024. Zimmerman, who serves as the Middle School Academic Dean and science teacher, gave some insight into why she coaches the sport.

How did you get your start in coaching?

I never planned to be a coach. When I came to teach at GA, I was impressed by the thriving athletic programs and saw the chance to get involved in the sports that I have always loved playing. I started out coaching Middle School tennis and softball, and then former Athletic Director Josh MacArthur noticed that I had a background in high school and college softball. When he asked if I might join the Upper School softball coaching staff, I was excited to increase the intensity and I took the opportunity. Getting to spend my afternoons on a softball field is a serendipitous surprise that I didn’t anticipate as part of my career. I never had a female head coach, but there are several of us at GA and I hope that our female student-athletes can see themselves represented in us.

Did your playing experience influence your coaching style?

Games were important to me as a player, but I mostly remember how much I loved practicing. I derived a lot of joy from trying to get my body to do things that were just at the edge of what I was capable of. I had an outfield coach in high school who used to hit fly balls as high and as far as he could when it was my turn in drills. I loved the thrill of challenging him to hit the ball over my head and running it down anyway. I want my players to find those moments of joy in being pushed a little bit past where they think their edge is and then finding that they are up to the challenge.

Who influenced you most as a coach?

My dad was my biggest coaching influence. He coached my teams for many years and taught me to ‘always catch with two hands.’ While he often meant that literally, it also served a metaphorical purpose. It was a reminder to focus on doing the small stuff well - fundamentals, footwork, mechanics, or saying a kind word to a teammate. Paying attention to these details and working to improve one percent at a time is what gives us an edge at a high level of competition. He was also great at connecting with people in a way that made them feel important. I am grateful that we had the chance to coach together for a season - that was truly special. 

What makes a successful student-athlete?

In softball, being a good teammate is key to being a successful student-athlete. Every single player on the field and in the dugout has a job to do to support the team all the time. Players who are always asking themselves, ‘What’s my job right now? How do I be the best I can at this job?’ - even during routine drills or while waiting to get into the game - those players are letting their teammates know they can be counted on, and they are improving their own skills in the process.