The new Charles Henderson High School baseball coach is looking forward to the “chance of a lifetime.”

“For a high school coach this is a chance of a lifetime,” said Josey Shannon, who was named coach of the program on Thursday. “This is a top five or 10 program in the state … I don’t think you can sit here and name five other schools in the state of Alabama that has had more success in the last 15 years.”

Shannon comes to Class 5A CHHS from Class 6A Stanhope Elmore, where he coached for one year. Prior to that he was head coach at Class 6A Chilton County for seven years. He replaces interim head coach William Teal, who resigned earlier this month to pursue a career outside of coaching.

On Friday, Shannon shared his enthusiasm about the opportunity. “The town is unbelievable, he said. “With the university being here and all of the resources, it’s an awesome opportunity.”

Shannon played at both Alabama Southern and the University of West Florida for two years. After being an assistant coach at both Jeff Davis and Pensacola State College, Shannon got his first head-coaching job with Chilton County. After coaching the Tigers for seven years, Shannon got the opportunity to help revamp Stanhope Elmore in 2016. The team went 13-12. After hearing about the CHHS opening, Shannon reached out.

“It was real quick,” Shannon said. “It was a godsend. It was the right place for me and I was the right person for them. We knew it instantly, and it was love and first sight for both of us.”

“We are very excited to have coach Shannon on board here at Troy City Schools and at Charles Henderson,” said Dr. Lee Hicks, Superintendent of Troy City Schools. “We had an interview committee of four individuals and we scoured over numerous resumes and talked to numerous references. There was nobody that came to us more highly recommended than coach Shannon.”

Troy’s love of baseball attracted Shannon to CHHS. As a recreation league and American Legion player, Shannon said he often faced off against Troy teams. The depth of talent and passion for the game left an impression.

“It’s talent rich,” Shannon said. “That’s why it’s a baseball town … there is good talent that is being produced here for generations.”

Shannon played professionally for the Baton Rouge River Bats and Pensacola Pelicans. He said that experience taught him to get the most from every situation, and he carries that philosophy into his coaching career.

“The one identity I think I have made for myself is taking less and making more out of it,” Shannon said. “Not to say there is less here, but through our work ethic and through our day-to-day process, I am going to get the most out of what I have. For the players that are good, we want to make them great.”

That philosophy is something he wants to instill in his coaching staff as well.

“I haven’t had a chance to meet my staff, but everything I am hearing is that I have a great staff,” Shannon said. “I have met Coach (Sam) Kitchens and I am excited to be able to work with a man with his knowledge and experience inside the Troy community.”

Shannon said he is eager to get to know the team and the players’ talents. The Trojans finished the 2016 season with a 27-10 record and advanced to the second round of playoffs.

“I have to get in there and spend time with these kids,” Shannon said. “I have to build a relationships. They have to know that they can trust me.”

Shannon will teach physical education at Charles Henderson beginning in the fall.