Talia Loda was a star pitcher for the East Haven softball team from 2011 to 2014. After going on to play in college, Talia continued her softball career through coaching and went on to serve as East Haven’s pitching coach in her first year as a member of the Yellowjackets’ staff this season.

Talia, who is still an East Haven resident, started playing softball at the age of eight after having previously played baseball. She continued with softball throughout her youth and for all four of her years as a student at East Haven High School.

Talia was the Yellowjackets’ primary pitcher during her time in the program. Talia helped the Easties achieve back-to-back 20-win seasons in her junior and senior years and also led East Haven to the Class M State Tournament final as a senior. In her senior season, Talia was named the Yellowjackets’ Most Valuable Player to go along with earning All-SCC Oronoque and All-State accolades.

Talia loved softball so much while growing up that she never wanted to stop. Talia’s experience of playing for East Haven allowed her to meet Head Coach Ed Crisafi and Assistant Coach Jeff Crisafi. It didn’t take long for Talia to gain a sense of the family atmosphere that permeates through the program.

“East Haven softball is a very special program. We’re very tight-knit, even when I was playing there and before that,” says Talia. “They always held softball camps, so the coaches would get to know the girls coming up. That’s how I got to know the Crisafis. They really care about their players. It’s a really special program.”

Talia graduated from East Haven in 2014 and then attended Springfield College. Talia competed for Springfield’s softball team until graduating in 2018. Two years later, Talia went back to Springfield College and obtained her master’s.

When she graduated in 2018, Talia was contacted by Kate Bowen, who is the head coach of the Springfield College softball squad. Bowen had worked with Talia at the school and asked her if she wanted to become the team’s pitching coach. Talia accepted and became an undergraduate assistant at Springfield beginning with the 2018-’19 season.

Since she had just graduated, Talia was now coaching numerous athletes with which she had recently been teammates. It took until the middle of the season for Talia to get used to it. However, once she did, Talia was able to grasp the coaching aspect of softball and realized that it was something she liked doing.

“I came fresh out of college, and I was coaching the team I played for. Coaching my teammates who were my friends was a little weird, but getting to see the coaching side really opened my eyes to all the different possibilities,” Talia says. “It opened my eyes to all the different things you go through as a coach. I realized I really enjoy doing this.”

During her time as a collegiate athlete, Talia often returned to East Haven to watch the Yellowjackets play. Jeff Crisafi would contact Talia prior to the big games, typically before the State Tournament, and ask her to pitch to the team’s athletes. Talia obliged and maintained a strong connection to the program as a result.

Talia’s connection with the Yellowjackets strengthened when she became an assistant coach for the team in the 2022 season. Talia had experience working with some of the players in the past, but felt that she truly bonded with East Haven’s athletes as the campaign unfolded, making her return to the program all the more special.

“It was really fun. I knew all the girls a little bit. I coached them a little bit through the fall season,” says Talia. “Getting to go through the whole season with them, you just get to know them. They’re really great girls. They’re a lot of fun to coach.”

Talia worked with East Haven’s pitchers as a member of the team’s coaching staff. This year, the Yellowjackets’ pitching corps featured senior captain Emilee Bishop, junior Lily Gagnon, and freshman Gianna Santoro. Talia brought a wealth of experience on the mound to the Easties. When Talia pitched in college, Springfield’s pitching coach Molly Rathbun helped her better understand the mechanics of the game. Between her personal experience and everything she had learned from her coaches, Talia was able to figure out what it takes to become a great pitcher.

“I’ve done a lot of pitching. It has helped me build my philosophy for when I give lessons now. It has really helped me understand the mechanics,” Talia says. “My pitching coach in college really taught me a lot. Coaching in college taught me more mechanics, more drills, and everything that can go wrong.”

Now, when she works with East Haven’s pitchers, Talia emphasizes the mental side of softball and the overall dynamic of the sport. She wants them to look at the batter’s box and take note of where the hitter is standing in order to help determine pitch selection. Talia wants the Yellowjackets’ hurlers to realize that all eyes are always on the pitcher, but that proper mechanics and mental tenacity will help block out the noise.

“Being the pitcher, you’re the center of attention. You can’t let that get in your head. Most of all, you need to have good mechanics and have fun with it,” says Talia. “You’re involved in every play. I want them to understand the mental side of it and understand the game better.”

After working her when she was an athlete, Ed Crisafi had an opportunity to coach alongside Talia this season. Crisafi says that Talia proved the ideal fit as East Haven’s pitching coach and made an immediate impact on the Yellowjackets’ staff.

“It was such a pleasure having Tal as an assistant this past year. She worked so well with Emilee, Lily, and Gianna that it took the pressure off of me and Jeff as far as having pitching responsibilities,” Crisafi says. “Being our pitcher from 2011 to 2014 and for Springfield College from 2015 to 2018 made her a perfect fit for us as a pitching coach.”

Talia learned what it means to be both an effective pitcher and leader during her playing days at East Haven and Springfield. All of Talia’s experiences have molded her for her new role as the Yellowjackets’ pitching coach. After returning to her hometown dugout, Talia feels grateful for all of the colleagues and mentors who have allowed her to continue living her softball dreams.

“It’s really special, especially being able to be a part of the team I grew up playing for,” says Talia. “The coaches I got to play for, now I’m coaching with them. I’m very lucky with the programs that I have been through and now the programs that I get to coach.”