Deb Seneca,  Head Varsity Softball Coach

Coach Seneca’s approach and philosophy transcends what happens on the softball field. She is a passionate teacher of life lessons and strives to instill in all of her players a mindset and work ethic that will benefit them long after their playing careers are complete.

She has been a key figure for McDevitt softball the last several years, serving as a varsity assistant coach in 2023 in addition to leading our Future Crusaders Softball program each summer from 2021-2023, coaching and instructing middle school players from Diocese feeder schools.

Coach Seneca has also coached for several highly successful softball organizations in the area, including NYFA Polar Elite (16U travel team assistant), Central PA Krunch (10U-12U assistant) and Swatara-Paxtang Softball (head coach for 9 years). Throughout her SPSA years, she worked to build the program at all levels, coordinating and leading instructional clinics for young players.

In addition to coaching, she has dedicated many years to growing the sport of softball and providing opportunities for players throughout the area, as an umpire and member of the Dauphin County Umpires Association as well as a longtime board member and past president for the Swatara Paxtang Softball Association.

Coaching Philosophy

“I love this quote from John Wooden – it’s in line with my philosophy ­– ‘it’s the little details that are vital. Little things make big things happen.”

“I also am a believer that people do not decide their futures. They decide their habits, and their habits will determine their futures.”

“I’d rather play a good game and lose than play a sloppy game and win. You play like you practice, so practice with full intent and effort. You need to be deliberate about your technique in practice, so good things happen automatically when you’re under pressure.”

Personal

Deb is a graduate of Penn State (bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Civil Engineering) and Shippensburg (master’s degree in Psychology). She and her husband Jim have two children, three dogs and two cats. She is a member of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque parish and currently works at Bethesda Mission and Anteil, Inc.