Boles brings range of experience, local ties as next Bearden softball coach
Senior Bradynn Belcher waits for a pitch during a game last spring.
Kenneth Boles is sticking to his Knoxville roots, taking on the role of the head coach of the Bearden girls’ softball team.
Coach Boles is a graduate of Gibbs High School, graduating in 1990. He first found the love for the game of softball while being a college softball umpire for 10 years.
He continued to pursue his passion for softball as he coached travel softball for 15 years, before transitioning to high school and becoming head coach at South Doyle for three years.
Coach Boles is replacing Angelica McClerkin, whose family moved out-of-state to end her six-year run heading Bearden’s program.
“I really love getting the full potential out of my players,” Coach Boles said.
While Coach Boles already appreciates many aspects of the program, he also wants the program to get the recognition and support that the team has worked hard for.
“I want the stands to be full at our games,” Coach Boles said.
Coach Boles is prioritizing working hard in the preseason in order for the team to progress and to get to where it needs to be when the season starts.
Coach Boles wants the team to be able to work together, play hard, and ultimately win.
The team gets the opportunity to bond together in preseason workouts starting in the fall.
Returning players are optimistic about the coaching change, and they are looking forward to the possibilities of this season.
“I’m hoping our new coach will bring a good attitude and a willingness to work with our team,” senior outfielder Abigail Mutta said.
Mutta and fellow seniors Bradynn Belcher and Nicole Couvertiere will lead the team in their final year.
After successful freshman seasons, Rylee Sieber and Lauren Spainhower will be impact players for the Lady Bulldogs in their sophomore years.
The seniors are hoping to balance a winning season with an enjoyable year playing the sport they love.
“I feel pretty good about having a new coach, but I know that regardless of our coaching situation that we will have an amazing season,” Mutta said.