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When Adrian Mclendon was hired as Selma High’s softball coach, his goal was to  take one step at a time.

Mclendon  is The Selma Times-Journal softball coach of the year.

“For my first year coaching softball, I’m grateful and thankful for the honor,” Mclendon said.

The Saints won only two games last year. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the Lady Saints had already surpassed that win total.

By the time Gov. Kay Ivey ordered the closing of K-12 schools statewide on March 13 and the AHSAA shutting down spring sports, the Lady Saints were 3-3. “We were on the right track,” Mclendon  said. “The girls bought into what I was teaching them.”

Mclendon  said the wins and losses was one of the standards the Lady Saints had to reach.

“One of the goals we talked about was winning more games than they did last year and work hard every day,” Mclendon  said. “They reached both of those goals.”

Mclendon also said being student-athletes was another standard he set for the softball squad. “My goal is to work with every girl on the team and make them successful on the field and off the field,” Mclendon  said.

Za’Miyah White, a finalist for The Selma Times-Journal softball player of the year, said she enjoyed playing for Mclendon and her game improved.

“Coach McClendon helped me improve in a lot of areas of my game,” White said. “He helped me improve with my batting which helped me tremendously. He also helped make me become a strong leader towards my teammates. That made me a stronger leader and better person.”

Mclendon thanked Selma City Schools Superintendent Dr. Avis Williams, Selma High Principal Stoney Pritchett, Athletic Director Katasha Turner, assistant coach Jenni Nicole, the players and their families for his first-year success.

Mclendon  said he’s looking forward to coaching the Lady Saints next year. 

“I’m pleased with the progress we made,” Mclendon  said. “We have a young team.

“This is a great step in the right direction , but it’s plenty more steps to climb before I reach the top . Good things are coming in the future. Trust the process.”

Mclendon is also a assistant coach on the football squad.