CCHS announces new Softball coach

By Alex Headley

 

Athletic Director Jerry Hood will announce Paige Jones as the new softball coach for Clay-Chalkville High School today at 7 p.m. in the Cougar fieldhouse.

“We hit a home run with her,” Hood said. “She is a talented player and has a lot of experience. She gives us the chance to rebuild a once great program.”

Jones is a Birmingham native coming back to the area after several years of collegiate coaching.

“I decided it was time to move back home and be closer to family and friends,” Jones said. “Clay was the best fit for me, coaching and teaching.” Jones teaches biology and environmental science.

Jones played on two Alabama State Championship teams when attending Thompson High School in Alabaster. She later played at Auburn University for four years before moving on to coaching. She was an All-American Academic in college. Jones has held assistant coaching positions at the University of West Alabama and Florida Gulf Coast University.

“I’m familiar with the area and a lot of the teams,” Jones said. “My plan right now is to work hard in the fall; we need a solid workout plan. I will assess the skillset in the spring and we will work very hard and see where it goes.”

Jones said Hood has assured her that the team has a lot of potential. Jones will be replacing David Crabtree. Crabtree coached for one year at CCHS and finished with a 12-32 record.