FULTON, Miss. – After serving two years as Itawamba Community College's head softball coach, Kelly Beth Ernest has announced plans to step away from coaching at the end of the season.
"This wasn't an easy decision," Ernest said. "Softball has been a large part of my life, but I feel at this point, it's important to focus on my next chapter. The players and ICC will always hold a special place in my heart."
In her first season at ICC, Ernest guided the Indians to a 29-18 record, advanced to the NJCAA Region 23 Tournament and ranked nationally for nine weeks, climbing as high as 14. Five sophomores signed to continue their careers as student-athletes, and Emily Robinson set the program's career strikeout record with 291. Robinson, Sammie Day-Jones and Riley Tyree earned All-MACCC honors that season.
The Indians are currently 22-25 and vying for a spot in the playoffs with six games left in the regular season. Facing one of the program's toughest schedules, the Indians have five wins over Top 20 opponents this season. Four players on this year's squad will continue their education through softball scholarships next season with more opportunities for other players expected.
During Ernest's time as a volunteer assistant, the Indians went 36-9, won the regular season championship, played for the conference tournament championship, advanced to the Region 23 Tournament and were ranked as high as No. 2 in the country. Nine players earned All-MACCC honors, three were named NFCA All-Region, and two were listed on the NJCAA All-Region 23 team. Robinson and Madison Jenkins earned All-American status.
"As a former coach, I know this wasn't the easiest decision for Coach Ernest," said ICC Dean of Students and Athletic Director Dr. Chad Case. "She has invested a lot of herself into the players and softball program both as a volunteer assistant and head coach. We wish her the best in starting this new chapter of life."
ICC will soon begin the process of searching for a new head coach while opening a new state-of-the-art softball and tennis complex.
"We appreciate Coach Ernest and the job she has done with the program over these past two seasons, both on-the-field and in the classroom," said ICC President Dr. Jay Allen. "We will work diligently to find our next coach to continue the tradition of success and build on the investments made into our softball program."