After five seasons at the helm of the Elmore County softball team, coach Kim Moncrief is stepping down to focus on her duties as the volleyball head coach. ECHS athletic director Terry Nicholas will take over effective immediately.
“I’ve enjoyed my time working with the program,” Moncrief said. “We just decided it was a good time for me to step down from softball. I just decided it was the right time and I’ll get to spend some more time with my family now.”
The Panthers advanced to the super regionals in two of the five seasons with Moncrief in charge. They finished the 2019 season with a 21-16 record, the most wins in a season since 2014.
During her five-year tenure, the Panthers accumulated a 62-90-1 record. Moncrief coached two all-state players including current Alabama centerfielder Elissa Brown.
“We have had a lot of really good players during my time,” Moncrief said. “When I first started, Elissa Brown was a junior. That was a big highlight during my time but we’ve had a lot of girls who are really good that didn’t get the same attention. It’s been fun to watch these girls and be a part of that development.”
Nicholas will take over for summer workouts and he is expected to have the benefit of having the majority of last year’s roster return. The Panthers will bring back seven of the 10 players who played in their final regular season game, including pitching ace Maci Curlee and all-county players Madison Britt and Madelyn Becker.