Siegel in search of softball coach after Shawn Middleton resigns after 6 seasons

Shawn Middleton, whose Siegel softball team has been one of the best in the state since he took over six years ago, has resigned.

The longtime area coach said he wanted to spend more time at home with family.

"Over all the years, you don't have a family life outside of softball," said Middleton, 55. "You're married to it. I've done multiple sports over several years. With grandkids in the picture now, and (son and former assistant) Jordan with a full-time job now (with the Tennessee Titans), I won't see him as much. It's time for me to be home more and see that side of life.

"We had a lot of great athletes and great memories. We had a great run. We had five district championships in a row in the regular season. I enjoyed every minute of it."

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Middleton guided the Lady Stars to a 161-32 record in five full seasons (Most of the 2020 season was cancelled because of COVID-19), with two Spring Fling appearances and a state runner-up trophy. Siegel's district record during that stretch was an astounding 50-4.

Last year Siegel lost in the region semifinals, finishing 24-10, and this year's team finished 18-7 and was eliminated in the District 7-4A tournament after going unbeaten in regular-season play in what was a reloading year for the Lady Stars.

Siegel reached the Class AAA state championship game in 2019, finishing 43-9. His 2021 team reached the state and finished 36-3. The 2018 team went 32-3, but was upset in the region semifinals by Lincoln County.

"I've known Coach Middleton for years," Siegel principal Larry Creasy said. "We worked ESP (extended school program) together in college and were at Smyrna together for years. He's done a phenomenal job with the softball program. He has an unbelievable record over the course of five (seasons).

"We hate to see him go, but he'll still be here as our graduation coach. We appreciate all the hard work and dedication he has given to our softball program and players."

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Creasy, who is also replacing the school's girls basketball coach after Shane Young resigned earlier this week, said he hopes to have both positions filled in the next couple of weeks.

Middleton, who was also Siegel's head girls basketball coach for four years before he resigned that position following the 2020-21 season, said he won't discount possibly coaching again.

"I wouldn't say it's over," Middleton said. "If it was the right situation...I never say it's over. You never know what will happen in the future. It could be a recreation league, those times you enjoy when you first start coaching. I don't know."