Clarke Central High School’s new head softball coach Alex Holmes addresses several of his varsity softball players during a meeting on April 25. Holmes believes that his methods regarding softball practice will tie the team closer together. “That might be the biggest obstacle as is — them buying into my coaching philosophy of being a little tougher, a little disciplinary to an extent. I’m for them, 100%,” Holmes said. Photo by Luna Reichert
Clarke Central High School alumnus and former Apalachee High School head softball coach Alex Holmes will continue his career as the new CCHS head softball coach.
The ODYSSEY Media Group has confirmed that Clarke Central High School’s athletic director, Dr. Jon Ward, has named Alex Holmes the new head softball coach.
Holmes first introduced himself to many of his players at a meeting on Thursday morning, April 25, after learning that he had been selected for the job the day before.
“I got in touch with Coach Ward and said, ‘Listen, I would love to apply for the job and to be considered,’” Holmes said. “I was actually at the Big Event — running the Big Event — and Coach Ward called me and gave me the official go. I said, ‘Well, let’s get the ball rolling. Let’s meet with these girls and get some excitement.’”
Holmes will succeed April Croft as the CCHS head softball coach. CCHS Athletic Director Dr. Jon Ward believes that Holmes has what it takes to capitalize on the team’s potential.
“I’m very excited about Coach Holmes taking over the program. There’s a lot going on: there are new facilities being built over there, we have a new coaching staff, but most importantly, we have a group of young ladies who are interested in competing in softball,” Ward said.
Holmes, a CCHS Class of 1999 graduate, served as a coach for Apalachee High School’s softball team for three years.
“My first job at Apalachee in 2005 was coaching fastpitch. I was the head fastpitch coach,” Holmes said. “At the time (however), I didn’t have quite thick enough skin to deal with some of the parent issues. Then my father also passed away during the season. It was tough to give up because I really enjoyed the girls, and I enjoyed the competition.”
At CCHS, Holmes hopes to build on the recent success of the Croft-led softball team.
“I want to get the ball rolling in the right direction,” Holmes said. “I think Coach Croft did a great job establishing a foundation and getting the ball going in the right direction. I want to take this to the next level. I want to be a team where we consistently go to the state playoffs and a team where people see Clarke Central on their schedule and are kind of worried about us.”
Sophomore Reagan Bosquet, who plays centerfield, ultimately hopes that Holmes will continue to lead the team and help players improve as individuals.
“From what I’ve heard, I like what he’s saying. I also heard a lot of girls saying that they like what he’s saying. Most of us are just ready to see if his actions will speak louder than his words,” Bosquet said. “This past year was actually my first year ever playing softball, so I would just like to get better and learn the game more.”
