twenty-questions-with-ali-jo-locher | hs

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Ali Jo Locher is the state championship-winning head softball coach at Raymore-Peculiar High School in Missouri, and a physical education teacher at nearby Raymore-Peculiar East Middle School, where she is also a track and field assistant.

Last month, Locher received her 2025-26 NFHS MSHSAA Coach of the Year award in recognition of her softball team's 2025 Class 5 state championship. This year's squad just completed an 18-7-1 season, which ended with a loss to eventual state titlist Lee's Summit in the Class 5, District 6 final.

Locher took a few minutes to answer 20 questions for the NFCA …

What is the very first thing you do with your team when starting a new season?

We come up with a motto that we try to live by for the season!

What one characteristic must every person who plays for you have?

Dedication (team player)

Why did you get into coaching?

I played college softball and was afforded the opportunity to stay and be a GA. I found my passion for coaching during those two years and I have stuck with it ever since!

What is the most difficult part of being a coach?

Teaching life lessons ... helping build good humans, not just softball players.

What is the most rewarding thing about being a coach?

Seeing your kids succeed in any part of life.

If you could have dinner with three other coaches from any time in history, who would they be?

Pat Summit, Bob Stoops, Carol Hutchins

What is the one thing in life or coaching you won’t compromise on?

Being a good teammate/classmate/partner (The golden rule ... how you treat others)

What is the one thing you personally feel you need to have to succeed as a coach?

Understanding of who my athletes are and how they function ... what makes them click.

How do you define success?

As a softball coach I define success when my kids leave my program better than when they came in. They have grown as a human and they are able to be successful on the field and in life in different ways.

What makes a great coaching staff?

Trust, communication and feeling supported!

What is the most important thing you’ve learned from a loss?

That no matter what, my kids still need to know I believe in them.

What is a goal you have for YOURSELF?

To enjoy being on the field while I am able!

What is an objective you have set for your TEAM?

To play until the last out of each game.

What would be an area in your coaching you’d like to improve?

Continuing to be patient and remember I am working with high school kids that still need a lot of guidance and structure building for continued play/life after high school!

What would you want a former player to say about you?

I would want them to say after looking back they understood I did everything I did to help them in the future and that I truly cared about them.

What do you feel is the most important thing a coach can provide to their players?

Making sure they feel cared for and loved. That softball doesn't define who they are, but being a good human does.

How would you describe your coaching style/philosophy?

Serious and silly. I like to compete and help them get better, but I really like to have fun while doing it. If I am not having fun, then neither are they!

What piece of advice would you give a fellow coach?

To try and meet your girls where they are, but continue to be the best role model you can on and off the field. Have fun with the kids, help them feel appreciated for who they are, and give a little tough love when needed.

What do you do for fun in your downtime?

I spend time with my family and friends! I enjoy watching sports on TV.

What would someone be surprised to learn about you?

I love teaching middle school PE.

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