Parkers Chapel has shown consistency on the softball field despite a bit of instability in the dugout. The Lady Trojans have had three different coaches in the past three seasons.
Miranda Carlisle hopes to end that trend on the sideline. She was named the new softball coach at Parkers Chapel this week, replacing Rhonda Swilley. Carlisle was a pitcher and catcher at Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri.
“Coach Carlisle brings not only college playing experience, especially as a pitcher, she also brings college coaching experience,” said PC athletic director Elliot Jacobs. “We feel she's a coach that can relate with our players and understand things they may be going through. And for our players that want to continue their softball careers in college, she knows what it takes to achieve that.”
Carlisle was an assistant coach at Randolph College in Lynchburg, Virginia and assisted for the St. Louis Illusion, a travel team out of Missouri. This will be her first opportunity as a head coach.
“I’m so excited. This is everything I’ve worked for. I’ve always wanted to coach my own program and really build a championship team. So, I’m thrilled,” said Carlisle, who will be new to South Arkansas.
“I know it’s a tight community. It’s small but it’s a community that’s more like a family. Good neighbors, which I’m really excited about. Their sports programs are really successful and I’m excited to get to build on that.”
The Lady Trojans graduated three seniors off a team that went 19-7 and advanced to the second round of the 2A State Tournament. Carlisle described her style as something similar to Swilley, who preached taking the extra base, pitching and defense.
“I’m definitely more of an aggressive coach,” she said. “For example, when we’re base running, I want them to take everything we can take. I want to play as if they’re leaving everything on the field. There’s nothing left. I definitely want to make sure we’re having fun at the same time. At the end of the day, softball is a game. But, it’s a competitive game. I want to win but I want to make sure that the girls walk away from the field with more than just, how to play softball. I want to make sure that everything we learn in softball we can take off the field as well.”
The 23-year-old said she hopes to move to Arkansas from Lynchburg by June 21. In addition to her teaching duties, she will also coach junior girls’ basketball.
The small-town atmosphere has an appealing sound to the coach.
“I’ve been able to connect with some of the teachers and some of the coaches at the school. When I get there and get settled, I’m hoping to meet with a bunch of people and get to know them and get to know the community, just immerse myself in, not just the program, but the community as well,” said Carlisle.
“I’m very excited to be able to join a community that’s like a family. I’m looking for something tight knit where I can get to know my neighbors and settle down and become a part of more than just a school and a city but a family. I’m very excited.”