PLAS seeks new coaches

Published 3:00 am Wednesday, May 13, 2015

Updated at 8:11 a.m. Wednesday to clarify that school officials did not release the date of resignation.

Pike Liberal Arts is actively searching for replacements for its head softball and volleyball coaches, who resigned earlier this month.

Softball head coach Allie Park and volleyball head coach and assistant softball coach Mendy Avant resigned May 4 following the conclusion of the Lady Patriots’ softball season.

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“Both resigned feeling it was in the best interest of the school,” said Headmaster Becky Baggett, declining to elaborate on any reasons for the resignations. Attempts to reach the coaches were unsuccessful.

Baggett said the school had been advertising the openings on the AISA website, and will continue to take resumes until May 24.

“It’s been on the AISA website for the last week and a half,” Baggett said. “We will take resumes until next Friday, May 24, and then begin interviews.”

Park began her career with the Patriots in 2013 after finishing two seasons with Hooper Academy in Hope Hull. Park is a Troy native and a Charles Henderson alumnus. She played softball at Charles Henderson under coaches Steve Haug and Terry Goodson, and was picked as the Defensive Player of the Year for her senior season. Park played one season at Central Alabama Community College and three at Webster University in St. Louis.

Under Park’s coaching, the Pike Liberal Arts Lady Patriots participated in the AISA State Tournament both years. In 2014, the Lady Pats finished fifth in the state. In 2015, the Lady Pats finished third in the state with a record of 31-11 for the season.

According to court documents, Park was charged March 31 with driving under the influence in Crenshaw County.