The Clarke Central High School softball team and head varsity softball coach William Lance debrief after the Aug. 7 game against Rabun County High School. The team ended their season on Oct. 15. “I am so proud of them and the strong women they have become,” Lance said. Photo by Dalila Tejada
The Clarke Central High School softball season ended on Oct. 15. Head coach William Lance says his first year with the team was challenging in multiple ways.
“I’ve learned we still have ways to go and there are a lot more things I have to learn as a head coach,” Lance said. “I can honestly say that I gave this season everything I had. I spent every second trying to make adjustments and figuring out what I can do better, and at the end of the day, it did not result in success in the win-loss category.”
The CCHS softball team has had 10 different coaches in the past 20 years. According to Lance the lack of commitment in the coaching staff has become an issue within the team.
“I think it affects the team because it makes everyone feel like it’s the team’s fault in a way,” CCHS shortstop Kinsey Segars, a senior, said. “Coach Lance has reassured everyone multiple times that he’s here for the long run, and I think that’s helped us grow together as a team.”
Lance acknowledges that it may be hard for players to get behind a program and be excited when there is a lot of coach turnover.
“I am here to offer stability to the program and a solid and firm commitment to these girls, this program, this community, and this school. I bleed red and gold,” Lance said. I do not believe there is another coach out there that is willing to give everything he or she has to this program. I know my heart, and I know my effort, and I refuse to believe someone cares more about these girls, this school, or this community than I do.”
“I am here to offer stability to the program and a solid and firm commitment to these girls, this program, this community, and this school. I bleed red and gold.”
— William Lance,
CCHS Head Softball Coach
Lance is optimistic about the future of the program. He plans to find an assistant coach, work with the new and returning players who show potential and build up the staff and program as a whole.
“I am also looking forward to coming back and getting another shot at showing everyone that Clarke Central softball is for real.”
— William Lance,
CCHS Head Softball Coach
“I am looking forward to getting to work more with some of the younger players next year. We have a group of younger players that showed a lot of potential and a great commitment to the softball team.” Lance said, “I am also looking forward to coming back and getting another shot at showing everyone that Clarke Central softball is for real. I am going to leave no stone unturned in order to find success. I am going right into the offseason putting a plan together to get more athletic, get faster and stronger.”
