CLEVELAND, Tenn. — Making a change at top of the Bearette softball program, Bradley Central announced today the hiring of a new diamond coaching staff.
"Bradley Central High School is excited to announce the appointment of Caden Ricketts to the position of head coach of the Bearettes Softball Program," state a press release from BCHS principal Patrick Spangler.
Ricketts replaces Hallie Geren, who had led the program the past four season, including directing the Bearettes to their first league championship in 17 years this spring, claiming the District 6-4A crown.
Getting her first head coaching opportunity in 2021, Geren took over the Bradley program that was coming off a 4-28 mark the previous two seasons, including the COVID-shortened 2020 campaign.
She posted 16 of her 42 total wins in each of the past two years, including the team's first winning record since 2008, going 16-13 in 2023.
Although he has no softball coaching experience, Ricketts has served as a three-sport assistant coach at Walker Valley the last several years.
A standout multi-sport athlete at Soddy-Daisy High School and Cleveland State baseball player, Ricketts also coached girls' volleyball at Loftis Middle School, while earning his degree from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.
"Coach Ricketts brings extensive experience as both an athlete and coach in the greater Chattanooga area," related the press release.
After starting his coaching career at his alma mater, Ricketts most recently taught Special Education and helped coached women’s basketball, baseball and football at Walker Valley.
He helped lead the Mustangs baseball team to a TSSAA State Championship Tournament run in 2023. He has won multiple district and region championships throughout his career.
"Coach Ricketts is an excellent addition to our coaching staff," said Principal Spangler. "His passion for the game and dedication to developing student-athletes make him the perfect fit for our program.
"I am confident that under his leadership, our team will continue to grow and achieve great success both on and off the field."
Given the opportunity to choose his own assistant coaches, Ricketts is adding Brianna Waddell, who served as an assistant in Geren's first season (2021), and Laney Harris, a former Multi-year all-state player at Walker Valley and standout for Lee University the past four seasons.
Their addition to the "softball coaching staff, (is) further strengthening the program with their expertise and dedication," related the release."
Ricketts holds a Bachelor’s degree in Health and Physical Education from UTC and a Master’s in Special Education from Lee University.
"He is excited to continue fostering excellence within the Bearettes Softball Program and looks forward to planting deep roots in the Bradley County community with his wife, McKenzie, as they welcome their first child in August," the press release concluded.
(Contact Joe Cannon at joe.cannon@clevelandbanner.com)