Jon Massey
photo by Dennis Norwood/File Photos
District 6-AAA softball, thanks to re-classification, will have more than a few changes this coming spring. In addition to moving up a classification from double A, two teams, Brainerd and Tyner, departed only to be filled with former 5-AAA powerhouses East Hamilton and Soddy Daisy.
At least a couple of coaching changes will happen, as well. One of them being former Ooltewah head softball coach Jon Massey stepping in at Central. After leading the Lady Owls to a record of 180-45, along with three trips to the state championships in five years, from 2014 to 2018, the veteran coach spent a season at the helm of Silverdale’s baseball team before moving to Bradley Central and helping to start up their girl’s lacrosse team.
Steve Lewis, Central’s Athletic Director, said, “We are glad to get Coach Massey in the door. He’s a proven coach and a good man.” As for the coach, “For the last year or so I’ve wanted to get back into it,” Massey said.
Reflecting on the past successes of the Lady Pounder program, Massey said, “Go look at the plaques in the trophy case. They’ve been to Murfreesboro multiple times.” In fact, for the years 2014 to 2017, Central won the region championship, advancing to the state tournament in 2015 and 2017. In 2018 they dominated the district with a 13-1 record only to fall to eventual state champion Meigs Co. in the first round of the regional.
The Lady Pounders won the state championship in 1985 and have been to state 11 times in their history. Massey would like to see a return to those days, although with Soddy Daisy and East Hamilton now in the district that will be a tall task. Last season Central went 5-13
According to the veteran skipper, “We’ll be scouring the halls to find girls who have played before and let them know what we’re going to be doing here.” Looking at last season’s roster, he should have eight players back off that squad with five of them being seniors.
He wants students and parents alike to know that he will be communicating with them as he looks to build his team. “This fall my plan is to work with five players a day on fundamentals,” Massey said, “and by January, be ready to compete.”
His biggest concern is pitching and two of his seniors, Calli Morgan and Mikiah Tate, carried the load in the circle during the 2021 campaign. Other players who should be back for their senior season include infielders Mischa Johnson and Karleigh Schwarzl, catcher Ashlynn Wood and outfielder Addy Wellington. Sophomores Natali Dominguez and Malorie Parris should also help out.
“My plan is to hit the ground running,” he said. “We will begin to look at the girls currently at Brown and Hunter, the middle schools that are zoned for Central.” He continued, “We’re looking for athletes, our goal is to get better from the start til the end.”
Massey has already engaged former Central player Tatum Morgan as one of his assistants. Morgan is also a coach at Brown Middle School. He hopes to bring one other assistant on board, as well.
In addition to his coaching duties, Massey will teach Exceptional Education at the school, something he has done for 21 years.
Massey replaces LeeAnne Shurette, who came out of retirement to coach the team last year. It was her second stint at the school.
(Email Assistant Sports Editor Dennis Norwood at dennisnorwood56@gmail.com; follow him on Twitter at @noogasportsdude)