Communicative Northern Colorado shortstop helps softball team come together

Kaitlin Flynn is a talker. UNC’s sophomore shortstop speaks a mile a minute, constantly communicating with her teammates on the field and in the dugout, offering encouragement at every challenge and cracking jokes when the tension is palpable.

Northern Colorado outfielder refining his game, realizing his talent

Outfielder finds his place at Northern Colorado

After starting off his college career at Fort Scott Junior College in Fort Scott, Kan., senior outfielder Dylan Banach decided being away from his hometown of Westminster was too difficult.

COLUMN: Northern Colorado sports writer reflects on time at The Mirror

COLUMN: Time spent covering Northern Colorado sports teaches appreciation

Now that my time as sports editor is officially over, I have been looking back at this past year and have seen a lot of changes and lessons from UNC athletics.

Left-handed catcher taking charge for Northern Colorado softball

The starting catcher on a softball team is possibly the most vital position to the club’s success. She must organize the pitching, manage the base paths and control the flow of the game.

Northern Colorado high jumper Evanson proving himself

The UNC track and field team has seen plenty of outstanding performances this season, several coming courtesy of sophomore high jumper Trevor Evanson.

Former Northern Colorado swimmer supported in coming out by teammates

Swimming comes naturally to JJ Smith, but it does not define her as a person. During her senior year, Smith came out as lesbian to her teammates.

Greeley native now playing baseball for Northern Colorado, looking towards professional level

Whether it's on or off the field, Hammer wants to be involved in professional baseball

When he takes the mound every fifth day, junior Chris Hammer says he has one key to success.

“I like to keep it loose,” Hammer said. “I think people play better in the game of baseball when you keep it loose, so I like to have a loose atmosphere in the clubhouse (by) playing music, having a good time, but also being really focused.”

Hammer is a local product, having grown up in Greeley. He played for coach Brian Holmes at Greeley West, and said that even though he looked elsewhere, staying close to home was the obvious choice.

Family ties keeps Northern Colorado baseball player nearby

As a man molded largely by family ties and hard work, senior baseball player Brooks Schneider’s decision to come to UNC was facilitated — at least in part — by proximity to home.

Coming from Longmont, Schneider is both a third baseman and pitcher for the University of Northern Colorado baseball team, and it’s clear he’s never overlooked how important it can be to be close to loved ones.

Northern Colorado softball outfielder shining in senior season

UNC’s softball team is in a transition season with the entry of new head coach Shana Easley. However, the University of Northern Colorado has found a bright spot throughout the season in outfielder Lindsey Smith, a senior leader that has been a prime performer for the University of Northern Colorado.

Despite last-minute hire, new Northern Colorado softball coach is making strides

Just one month into the school year, the UNC softball team was suddenly left without a head coach.

Former head softball coach Mark Montgomery and an assistant coach resigned from their positions in September and took the same positions at Louisiana Tech University.

The University of Northern Colorado had to act fast in order to obtain a new coach, and in October, Loveland-native Shana Easley took the position and brought along assistant softball coach Patrick Kies.