Wilson Central

Wilson Central High School will use a leadership-by-committee approach with its softball program during the upcoming season.

Sara Williams has been named the interim head coach, but Shawn Smith will handle the majority of the on-the-field coaching.

“I met the parents a couple of weeks ago, and we talked about how we move forward,” Wilson Central principal Travis Mayfield said. “They wanted to start school knowing who the coach was going to be.

“Wilson Central is a top-tier program. We will attract some quality coaching possibilities. In order to do that, I have to have a little (additional) time (to go through the hiring process).”

Previous head coach Michael Shepard resigned as a teacher in early July following his arrest on statutory rape charges.

Ex-Wilson Central coach posts bond, released from jail

Both Williams and Carmen Gregson – who will also remain with the program – were assistant coaches under Shepherd last season.

Shepard led the program to a 102-37 record over the last three seasons, including its first state championship in 2015. The Lady Wildcats also reached the AAA State Tournament in 2014.

Wilson Central compiled a 27-13 record this spring, finishing as the District 9-AAA Tournament runner-up to Hendersonville before suffering a season-ending loss at Clarksville in the Region 5-AAA Tournament semifinal round.

Smith – a non-faculty coach – started the middle-school baseball program at Lebanon’s Southside Elementary and coached there for six seasons.

“I have known him for a long time,” Mayfield said. “All of the girls already know Shawn. He’s been around baseball and softball together. There’s already a trust established there. Having Carman and Sara back as well, it solidifies the situation and the (program’s) ability to move forward and past this situation.”

Smith has also served as a scout for the Chicago Cubs organization, played and coached at the University of Southern Mississippi, coached travel softball and has given hitting instruction.

“I love coaching,” Smith, 53, said. “I have coached in one form or another since I was 14 years old. I love helping kids, and I like winning. I like the X and Os, and girls are coachable. They do whatever you want and give 110 percent.

“The parents knew me. The kids knew me too. They basically talked me into it.”

Smith’s son, Malone Smith, played baseball at both Wilson Central and Kansas City Kansas Community College. Smith’s other son, Cullen Smith, recently graduated from Wilson Central and will play at East Tennessee State University.

Among the program’s graduation losses were outfielder Taylor Varnar, who had 23 runs scored and 21 runs batted in; first baseman Katie Eakes, a University of North Alabama signee who had a .423 batting average, 16 extra-base hits and 47 RBI; and outfielder Lily Bombard, a Freed-Hardeman University signee who hit .337 and scored 27 runs.

Senior infielder Claire Smith – the daughter of Shawn Smith – and sophomore pitcher/shortstop Kaylee Richetto have verbally committed to play at MTSU.

Wilson Central freshman Kaylee Richetto commits to MTSU

Senior shortstop Brooke Pfefferle has committed to Austin Peay State University. Pfefferle did not play this spring due to a knee injury.

Reach Craig Harris at crharris@tennessean.com . Follow him on Twitter @CHTennessean. 

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