Courtney Elrod trying to mold Rossview softball back into contenders

Excuse Courtney Elrod if she isn't quite familiar with the current Rossview softball program.

During Elrod's tenure as a star pitcher at Rossview, the Lady Hawks were coached by Phil Burkhart, won 119 games during her four years as a player, had consecutive 30-plus wins as a sophomore and junior and was 44-5 in district games.

The current Rossview senior group has been through four different head coaches, haven't won more than six games in a season the past three years and have finished no better than sixth in District 10-AAA play.

"That's why I'm trying to change that," Elrod said just before her team played Clarksville High Wednesday. "It's a different culture here but these kids have talent. They may not be winning the way we want, but the program is going to go in the right direction."

More:Courtney Elrod returns to alma mater to lead Rossview

Elrod, like her sister Ashley years before, dominated softball in Clarksville from 2006-09, winning every conceivable local award. But as a coach, she is charged with tyring to foster that same kind of competitive spirit in a group that hasn't had much stability.

"I was thrilled when she was hired," Rossview senior Hailie Dorthalina said. "I really wanted (the school) to hire her. We've been through so much over the past few years, I felt that coach Elrod would be best for my senior year."

Dorthalina and her fellow seniors, five in all, have to reconcile the idea that if the program turns the corner, this current group of seniors won't reap the benefits.

"We know that," Dorthalina said. "But may be the younger kids will see the results. So we're trying to remain encouraging."

Rossview is 3-10 and may make only marginal improvement in the district standings this season but Elrod knows this is marathon, not a sprint.

"I don't plan on going anywhere," Elrod said. "These girls deserve so much more. I have to find a way to give that to them. They know there aren't any shortcuts. It takes a lot of work to 

Elrod said she stays in constant contact with Burkhart, who isn't far away. Burkhart is the head coach for Rossview's girls golf team. Elrod also admitted its hard seeing how successful Clarksville High has become on the diamond.

"They're still a big rival," Elrod said. "I still cringe at the sight of purple."

Elrod was 11-1 against CHS during her time as a player but her desire to watch the program re-emerge as a major player in district and region tournaments exceeds her desire to beat any individual rival.

"The right attitude is there, the work ethic is there and the spirit is there," Elrod said. "We just need time to develop and grow it. That's when change happens."

Reach Prep writer George Robinson at georgerobinson@theleafchronicle.com or (931) 245-0747 and on Twitter @Cville_Sports.