Softball season is quickly approaching, with that being said, the Central High Team has some new coaches this season. After coach LeeAnne Shurette and assistant coach Holly Ware concluded their duties as softball coaches. John Massey decided to step up to the place to accept the position as head coach of the Lady Pounders, along with Tatum Morgan taking on the role as assistant coach.

I feel like the new coaches will bring a lot to the team and that they will see our potential as a team,” shared Senior shortstop Calli Morgan.

Coach Massey coached softball at Ooltewah High School for five years. After taking a 4 year break from coaching, he decided he wanted to get back to it upon hearing about an opening for the Lady Pounders.

“We want to be competitive every game, and hopefully get better as the season goes on,” Massey continued to say,  “we would like to win some games in the Hixson tournament, and also get a chance to play in the Region Tournament.”

Coach Morgan decided to accept the position as assistant coach when Massey contacted her about the opportunity. Morgan, already had experience under her belt after coaching the Brown Middle School softball team for four years.  She plans to be a head coach for high school softball one day, so she thought this would be a great opportunity to get some high school coaching experience.

“I plan to help the girls throughout the season by holding them to high standards each and every day. I try to push them to be the best ball player they can be and to stay positive. It’s really easy to get down on yourself, but it’s so important to realize in softball you have to just move on to the next play,” Morgan responded when she was asked how she plans to help the girls out this season

The 2021 softball team only won a total of three games during the regular season, so the ladies have been working extra hard to accomplish their goal of winning more games this season than the previous season.

“Some goals for me this season is to have fun, focus on working together as a team, and to learn from my mistakes and make the next play better. I hope to have the best of my senior year,” stated Calli Morgan

The first official day of practice for the Lady Pounders was Monday, February 14. The ladies have already had a few successful preseason games. They have been getting ready for their first real season games at Howard High School on Monday March 14 and then at Soddy Daisy High School on Thursday, March 17. Be sure to come out and show the Lady Pounders some support!

Readers can view the latest sports updates on the sports center page. This is where schedules, scores, and rosters will be posted. All sports, including softball, will be updated frequently with scores, updates, and more, so be sure to check back up here at the Central Digest.