Luella Gesky named Evanston softball coach

Evanston announced Friday that Luella Gesky is the school’s new varsity softball coach.

Gesky replaces Kristen Proffitt, who ran the program for four seasons before resigning in the spring after a 15-16 record. Gesky, a physical education teacher at Evanston, coached the JV team this past season.

Gesky played softball at Waukegan West, where she graduated in 1990, and then for four years at Hofstra. Her team advanced to the College World Series twice.

“When I was a catcher, I called it playing the field general,” Gesky said in a statement. “Now, I can run the game, and I won’t have to go out there and get dirty.

“Once I started coaching here (four years ago as a varsity assistant to Proffitt), I knew coaching was something I really wanted to do. I realized the effect you can have on a young athlete’s life, not only teaching them a sport but also teaching them about life.”

The Wildkits expect to return two all-CSL South players in senior pitcher/first baseman Caitlin Boer and sophomore outfielder Maddy Managlia.