The Benilde-St. Margaret’s baseball program enters a new era after the departure of longtime Head Coach Andy Judkins. After years of guiding the Red Knights to success on and off the field, Judkins’s exit leaves the program at a turning point as players adjust to new leadership and prepare for the upcoming season. His impact on the players extended beyond baseball; he was known for building strong relationships and helping his athletes grow both as competitors and as individuals.
For returning players, especially seniors who have spent much of their high school careers with Judkins, the transition carries both sadness and anticipation. Senior Robert Shull described the moment as bittersweet. He acknowledged that the timing makes the change especially difficult for the team’s upperclassmen. “It will be harder to adjust this year, so I think that might make it a little worse for the team. We lost a lot of guys last year, and it’s tough to build that same team culture we had,” Shull said.
With the Red Knights heading into the new baseball season under a fresh direction, senior leadership will be a key part in maintaining the team’s identity and chemistry. Players aim to build on the foundation laid in previous seasons while also embracing the new strategies introduced by the incoming coaches. Senior Kellen Moline emphasized the importance of leadership in the months ahead. “We’re gonna have to take a role, because we know most of the players, and the new coaches coming in won’t know some of the players and how they play,” Moline said.
Veteran players also understand that the early-season practices will be crucial for setting the tone. These first weeks will help the new staff and players learn each other’s styles and expectations. “Everybody will be just trying to feel it out and see how our coaches work and how they function with the new team,” Moline said.
Even amid the uncertainty, there’s a sense of optimism surrounding the team. The Red Knights are eager to test themselves and see what this new chapter brings. The team is looking forward to a big season. “It will be interesting to feel it out and see if we’re running a new system or how this coach wants us to play. I’m excited, but [there’s] also a lot of new stuff to learn, and it’s hard to adjust to the new staff,” Shull said.
Despite the changes, both players and fans remain hopeful that the team’s strong sense of community and commitment will carry the Benilde-St. Margaret’s baseball team off to another successful season.