After six seasons directing the Winder-Barrow High School fastpitch softball program, LeAnne Mitchell is stepping down to pursue other interests and because of family commitments.
Mitchell told the Barrow Journal she has been looking for a job as an assistant principal for the past three years and has interviewed for two positions for the upcoming school year.
In addition, her husband’s job has him out-of-state the majority of the time, leaving her needing more time with their four-year-old son.
“It has just gotten tougher to get to the games and practices,” Mitchell said. “My son wants to play ball as well and I need more time to devote to that.”
“We have a good group of girls coming back for this season,” the coach said. “I expect them to do even better this year.”
Mitchell said she feels she is leaving the program in the capable hands of assistants Monty McClure, Martha Butler and Josh Carter. A new coach has not been named yet.
“The girls respect each of them,” Mitchell said. “If there ever was a good time to do this, then this is that time. It’s not that I necessarily want to but that I need to. I have a stable group of assistants who are in this for the long haul. Each one is very knowledgeable.”
The coach said she believes there will be some additional assistant principal jobs open up in the area. Even if she continues at WBHS, she plans to assist athletic director Justin Grant in some areas to help further prepare herself for an administration role.
Mitchell said in addition to advancing to the state tournament twice, she has seen seven of her former players sign scholarships. The coach said she will continue to help WBHS players who are looking to continue their careers after high school.
“It’s all about connections,” she said. “There are always scholarships out there. You just have to know where to find them. There are always schools who are looking for quality players.”
As far as the overall status of the program, Mitchell said she believes it is in stronger shape now than six years ago. The key for the future will be to continue building through travel teams and the recreation department.
