CAREY, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—The varsity girls’ softball coach for the Carey Exempted Village Schools has scored another home run after being named Coach of the Month sponsored by Lewis Family McDonald’s.
Teresa Gillig, who recently completed her 13th season head coach, has racked up countless accolades for the softball program, including a regional title and a state final four appearance for the Lady Blue Devils in 2017 – the first in school history.
“We’ve had a lot of success with the Carey softball program,” said Gillig, a 2001 Carey graduate who also played softball there for four years. “The girls play really well together. They get along on and off the field.”
During her tenure the softball program has recorded 10 sectional titles, three district championships, and five district runner-up finishes. In 2018 and 2023 Gillig’s teams also brought home the All-Northern 10 League trophy. Her overall record is 191-122.
Gillig said the players’ catch phrase on the field is “Mudidta,” which means cheering happily for others. “I think the one thing that has helped with the success of the program is the girls getting along and playing for each other. They have been great teammates and push each other to be their best.”
A Carey native, the former Teresa Jacoby played multiple sports at CHS, also earning varsity letters in basketball and volleyball. She went on to the University of Findlay where she graduated in 2005 and eventually returned to teach kindergarten at her alma mater.
She was the junior varsity volleyball coach in nearby Upper Sandusky for a year before landing the freshmen volleyball coaching job at Carey in 2006. But in 2014, she decided to switch to the one sport she’s always been most passionate about.
“Softball’s my favorite,” Gillig admitted. “When I took over the head job in 2014, that’s when I gave up volleyball. Softball is a great life skill that teaches a lot of valuable lessons, and the girls have always worked hard to achieve their goals.”
Gillig said she’s been blessed to work with some great assistant coaches over the years. She also credits early mentors – coaches Eric Mullholand, Dan Vaughn, and Red Harrold – for providing the expertise she needed to help build a strong program.
With many memorable seasons and exciting wins in her coaching career there have also been some heartbreaking losses, Gillig said. “But it’s always rewarding to see the girls meet their goals, have success, and improve their skills as the season goes.”
When she’s not on the field or in the classroom, this 2017 N10 Coach of the Year is busy with her family. She and husband, Travis, have three young sons, Jacoby, Lane, and Tate. The extended clan also includes stepdaughters Kya and Mia.
“The youth program is very successful with great coaches that have also helped build our program,” Gillig said. “Coaching is very rewarding. There’s a lot of fun memories that come with coaching. You build a lot of relationships that come with coaching.”