Meet The Selma Times-Journal’s Softball coach of the year

Published 12:39 pm Wednesday, June 5, 2019

Cherie Grimes is slowly rebuilding Morgan Academy’s softball program.

For guiding the Lady Senators into the AISA State Tournament, Grimes is named The Selma Times-Journal’s softball coach of the year.

Grimes said she was surprised to get the honor in only her second season with the Lady Senators (6-20).  Morgan Academy hosted the Region 2 tournament and finished second, qualifying for the postseason.

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“It feels pretty awesome to be named coach of the year,” Grimes said. “We have continuously grown together as a team and continued to improve each day. We set a goal to make the state tournament and we made our goal. Next year, we want to take it a step further.”

Grimes said the Lady Senators’ record doesn’t reflect their growth this season.

“The kids learned a lot of fundamental stuff,” Grimes said. “Next year, we’ll start where we left off. I think that will give us an edge.”

Grimes, a former Meadowview Christian School coach, said having the Region 2 tournament at Morgan Academy was another boost for the Lady Senators.

“It felt great to have the Region 2 tournament at our school,” Grimes said. “It was good to have the tournament at our facility.”

Grimes thanked the Morgan Academy Administration, headmaster Mark Knight, Athletic Director Josh Thacker and Director of Instruction Karim Oaks and parents for helping the team.

“We got a lot of support from the headmaster, athletic director, other coaches and parents,” Grimes said. “When we needed stuff, the parents and coaches helped out.”

Grimes also credited Ed Miller, a former Morgan Academy softball coach. Miller coached Grimes at Dallas County High School where she graduated in 2005.

“I wouldn’t be here without coach Miller,” Grimes said. “Learning from him has been a huge priviledge. He was with us this year teaching us the core details to becoming a successful team.”

Grimes is ready to take the next step in 2020. The Lady Senators should be an improved squad, with the return of several, talented players.