Coach Spotlight: Jake Scarberry

At New Castle Little League, some of the best coaches are the ones who simply step up when their community needs them.

That is exactly how Coach Jake Scarberry began his journey with the league.

Now entering his fifth season coaching at NCLL, Coach Jake leads the Majors Softball Blue Hens, helping players grow both as athletes and as teammates.

How His Coaching Journey Began

Coach Jake will be the first to admit that coaching was not originally part of his plan.

When his oldest daughter started playing softball, the league needed another coach to help split up an over-rostered team. Jake volunteered to step in and help.

What happened next changed everything.

As he watched the girls’ excitement and saw their skills improve week after week, he quickly realized how meaningful coaching could be. From that moment on, he was hooked.

Playing Background

Coach Jake grew up playing baseball, primarily as a middle infielder and outfielder. Those experiences gave him a strong understanding of the game and the fundamentals that he now shares with his players.

What Excites Him Most This Season

This season, Coach Jake is focused on helping his players continue to grow in several ways.

He is excited to help them:

• Build stronger game knowledge

• Develop a deeper love for softball

• Learn what hard work and dedication can lead to

Watching those lessons come together throughout the season is one of the most rewarding parts of coaching.

Life Lessons Beyond Softball

For Coach Jake, the game is about much more than runs and wins.

One of the most important lessons he teaches his players is how to be great teammates and friends.

That means supporting each other during the tough moments too. Whether it is a rough inning, a difficult game, or a challenging practice, the team learns how to pick each other up and keep moving forward together.

Building Confidence Through Preparation

Coach Jake believes that confidence comes from preparation.

By focusing on purposeful, hard work during practice, he helps players feel more comfortable and prepared when game time arrives.

As he explains it, when players put in the work and understand the game better, the pace of the game begins to slow down for them mentally. When that happens, confidence grows and the game becomes much more enjoyable.

A Fun Team Favorite

Every team has its traditions and fun moments.

For Coach Jake’s team, one simple question always brings smiles.

Ice cream?

Always a win.

Looking Forward to Opening Day

One of the things Coach Jake is most excited about this spring is Opening Day at New Castle Little League.

Getting back out on NCLL’s well-groomed softball field with his team, seeing the energy of the league return, and watching his players compete is what makes the season special.

Thank You, Coach Jake

Coaches like Jake Scarberry are a big part of what makes New Castle Little League such a great place for young athletes.

By stepping up when the league needed help and continuing to lead with purpose, he is helping players grow in confidence, teamwork, and love for the game.

And those lessons will last long after the final inning. 🥎💛