The Bacon County softball team has a new outlook for 2017. The biggest change is the addition of veteran head coach Kelli Poff, who comes to Alma following nine years leading softball programs. She spent her first year at West Orange High School in Orlando, Florida. She was then at Woodland High School in metro-Atlanta’s Stockbridge in Henry County for eight years, where she successfully lead the Wolves to a pair of 4-AAAA championships in one of the toughest softball regions in the state.
“I saw the opening for the position here at BC and knew it was a great program and felt it would be a good fit for me,” Poff said.
She moves into an equally rugged Region 2-AA that includes Jeff Davis County and last year’s state runner-up, Vidalia. Poff has been working with her team to continue the success of last year’s squad. In 2016, coach Stephen Tyre’s team finished 25-10 and 13-4 in Region 2-AA. The Lady Raiders were the No. 2 seed and swept series from Jefferson County and Social Circle to make it to the Elite Eight in Columbus. Along with Vidalia and Jeff Davis, they were among three teams from Region 2-AA to make it to the state AA Fast Pitch Tournament. Once there, they defeated Heard County before falling to Dodge County and Rockmart.
With five starters returning, Bacon County will have a young team this season. They look strong in the circle with six pitchers who will develop as the season continues. Poff expects to utilize each of them often. The Lady Raiders will be able to run with good speed on the bases. They also have good power hitters who are smart in the batter’s box.
“I feel our strength will be our heart and passion,” Poff said. “They go so hard and play hard for each other. That will carry us in tough times.”
This summer the seniors led the way for the younger players. The outlook in Alma is positive as the school year begins.
“I believe this season is going to be both challenging and rewarding,” Poff said. “I feel we have a great group of girls, and I am blessed with a great coaching staff, and together I expect our program to be all in and selfless.”
The Lady Raiders have bought in to the new system and developed a family atmosphere. Their goal is to play as one and get better every day.
“I am already proud, and we have yet to play our first game,” Poff said.
All of the players will have to step up for Bacon to be successful in the always tough Region 2-AA.
Poff is enjoying her new role at Bacon County, especially with the group of young ladies she has on the team.
“I cant wait to see what they accomplish together,” Poff said. “No matter what, it’s going to be a fun ride.”
Bacon County High School
By Rob Asbell
Photography by Debra Tanner
