With the softball season nearing, Central’s softball coaches and players are preparing for a successful season. Over the offseason, the softball program went through a coaching shake-up. The team saw the departure of head coach Randy Crawford and assistant Kelly Solock. For the 2021 season, former head coach LeeAnne Shurette will return to the helm and will be assisted by tenured volleyball coach Holly Ware.

“I am excited to see Coach Shurette and Coach Ware’s new coaching strategies,” shared Junior Ashlyn Wood.

During her previous head coaching stint (2009-2017), Shurette lead the team on an impressive run. The 2014 Tennessee Tech Sports Hall of Fame inductee coached the Lady Pounders to seven District 6-AA Regular Season Championships, six District 6-AA Tournament Championships, six Region 3-AA Championships, six AA Sectional appearances, and four AA State appearances over her eight seasons leading the softball team.

When asked what she is hoping to accomplish in her return to the head coaching position, Shurette explained, “I want to help lead the girls to a great season while creating fun and lasting memories with their teammates.”

Coach Shurette went on to say, “I am looking forward to getting to know the girls and building relationships with all of them…I hope to teach them softball skills and and life skills throughout the game.”

After the cancellation of spring sports in 2020 and new leadership, excitement for the upcoming season is boiling over for the softball team.

“I am looking forward to being back on the field and getting to work with my teammates,” said Ashlyn Wood.

Under the new coaching duo, the ladies will began open field workouts on Tuesday, February 2 which lasted through February 11. The ladies will return on February 16 and go through two days of tryouts. Thereafter, the team will be selected. The team will have nearly four weeks to gel and hone in their skills before their first game on March 15, when they will host the CSAS Patriots.

Readers can view the latest sports updates on the sports center page. This is where schedules, scores, and rosters will be posted. The Digest will continue to bring the latest coverage and updates as the 2021 season progresses.