The Omaha North Girls’ Softball Team welcomed a new head coach, Meghan Johnson, for the 2025-2026 season.   

Johnson, a first-year teacher at Omaha North, has participated in softball since she was seven years old. She played for Omaha Benson High School and was a part of a slow pitch team after graduation.  

“My parents encouraged me to start playing when I was a kid and I have loved it ever since,” said Johnson. 

 With her knowledge of softball and experience coaching sports at Marrs Middle School and McMillan Middle School, Johnson was able to jump right into her new role as head coach. 

Anna Bartsch, 11, one of the captains of the girl’s softball team, was impressed by Johnson’s ability to lead the team, even at the beginning of the season.  

“Coach Johnson has been able to step into this position and really hit the ground running. Every practice feels productive and balances everyone’s areas of improvement, while also fostering a great team culture and environment,” said Bartsch.  

This season, there are fifteen girls on the team, which is a substantial increase from the eleven players the team had in 2024. Johnson played a significant role in growing the team’s numbers. 

“I asked the returning players to help recruit and I visited the school several times, talking with kids and persuading them to join the team,” said Johnson.  

While a larger team has its advantages, it can be more difficult to manage.  

“We have a lot more girls on the team this year which adds another element into games and practices, which I think Coach Johnson has done a good job of balancing,” said Bartsch.  

Johnson focuses on structure in warmups and practice, prioritizing learning the fundamentals and getting in-the-game experience, which she has found produces the best results.  

In addition to softball skills, Johnson also teaches her players how to take charge on the field.  

As a captain, Bartsch has found Johnson’s emphasis on leadership inspiring, and looks to her as a role model. 

“This year I’m focusing on not just talking on the field but talking to specific people on the field and giving positive feedback, especially after tough plays or at-bats,” said Bartsch. 

The softball team plays nearly thirty games in the regular season, often playing three or more games in a single week.  

This further reinforces the need for meaningful practices and a positive environment to allow players to develop their softball skills without burnout.  

“Although we have softball every day, we always make sure that practice is never longer than a game, which is around ninety minutes,” said Johnson.  

Additionally, with such a fast-paced season, Johnson has tried to encourage her team to get close. 

“We spend a lot of time driving to and from games and that is when we get really good quality bonding in,” said Johnson. 

This bonding has helped the players communicate effectively and trust each other allowing them to be more unified on and off the field.  

 Johnson understands both the mental and physical challenges of playing softball and always makes sure to uplift her players. Her favorite phrase to tell her team, especially when they are feeling down is: “I am not looking for perfection. I am looking for you to do your best. I want you to show everyone else the potential that I see in you.” 

With the coaching from Johnson and the hard work and dedication from the players, the Omaha North Girls’ Softball Team was able to defeat Buena Vista High School 19-11 in their first game of the season.  

“I’m excited to see where this season takes us,” said Bartsch, “I have high expectations for the team and our performance.”