Ann-Marie Houle is in her 10th season as girls softball coach at Stonington High, and the team is having a stellar season.
With one game left in regular season play, the Bears' record is 16-2. But it is a little bittersweet for Houle, because at the May 20 game - Senior Day - she will be saying goodbye not just to her seniors, but to her niece, rightfielder MacKensie Crowley.
Crowley, a senior co-captain, is the daughter of Houle's sister Michelle Crowley. Houle has coached MacKensie on varsity for two years.
"It's been a really unique experience," Houle said. "It was definitely a learning experience - I was making decisions as a coach and there were times that we struggled with those roles, aunt versus niece, coach versus player."
You can bet that on Senior Day on Monday the stands - as well as the dugout - will be full of Crowleys.
The home game starts at 4 p.m. against Windham.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.