Whitney Elder Deaver named new softball coach at Bob Jones
Whitney Elder Deaver with Bob Jones Principal Sylvia Lambert (Record Photo/Lindsay Vaught)
MADISON- After searching statewide, Bob Jones found their new softball coach across Highway 72.
Whitney Elder Deaver, an assistant to Dale Palmer at Sparkman since 2010, was named the new softball coach at Bob Jones June 15 by principal Sylvia Lambert.
Deaver graduated from Grissom High School where she played softball and volleyball. She graduated in 2008 from Jacksonville State University where she played third base and second base. She was a scholar athlete and made OVC honor roll.
“We have a wonderful program here and we are like family,” Lambert said introducing Deaver.
“Coach Deaver comes from a strong softball family. We’ve had our eye on Coach Deaver at Sparkman for a long time. We were searching for a coach with passion and drive for softball and our student athletes and one that can be a role model for our girls.”
This will be Deaver’s first head coaching position in softball.
“Thank you for this opportunity, the hiring committee had a strenuous process and they did the best job and I hope I can live up to those expectations,” Elder said. “This is a dream of mine. I’ve known Coach Chambers since I was 12 years old. He has run his program with class and had good girls and good players. I learned a lot at Sparkman that I can incorporate here to help the players get better and this program thrive.”
Elder was a part of 3 state championship teams at Sparkman. She took last season off to have her baby son, Bryce, born March 16. Deaver will teach career prep.
Practically the entire team was at the announcement to welcome Deaver. She inherits a young team that returns most starters. The Patriots lost one All-State player to graduation, catcher McKenna Ray. Another All-State player, Nicole Buccieri returns.
“Coach Chambers called me in March and said I should apply. Mrs. Lambert called and said I made the top two, its an honor to be selected. This is a great school and great program. Both Sparkman and Bob Jones have great kids, its a healthy rivalry, the girls I coached they want the best for me and they are excited for me.”
“I’m really lucky I’m stepping in to a situation where they have been taught the right way and to work hard. Do the little things right and we will have the rewards to show for it. It’s a process but we’re going to get there.”
The selection had been expected several weeks ago. Elder will now try to play catchup as the team has missed the UAH team camp and several practices. The team has about two weeks to squeeze in off-season competition and practices.
