Steve Smith and Madyson Hendrix have been hired as assistant coaches on Southeast Arkansas College’s softball team.
Smith, a retired railroad industry professional from Horatio, has more than 30 years of travel ball coaching experience. He spent the previous school year as an assistant at the University of Arkansas Rich Mountain and helped the Bucks win 38 games and rank as high as 13th nationally. Rich Mountain teams were 19-1 against in-state opponents.
“Known for his tireless work ethic and can-do attitude, Coach Smith is committed to the success of the softball program and is a valued recruiter, according to a news release.
Hendrix will serve as pitching coach and social media account handler. She was a college athlete at Andrew College in Georgia and Bishop State Community College in Alabama.
“Having grown up on a college softball field, surrounded by coaches who are proven winners, Madyson brings a unique perspective and valuable insights to the coaching staff,” according to the news release.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
UAM volleyball starts 0-3
The UA-Monticello volleyball team began the Arlicia Ortiz era with three-set losses against host St. Edward’s University and the University of Illinois-Springfield on Friday, and a four-set defeat to Purdue University Northwest on Saturday at the Hilltopper Classic in Austin, Texas.
St. Edward’s outlasted UAM 27-25, 25-22, 25-20 in the opening match despite 11 kills and 3 blocks by Natalie White. Against Illinois-Springfield Valeria Velez had 8 kills, but the Prairie Stars swept the Cotton Blossoms 25-17, 25-18, 25-18.
UAM earned its first set victory of the season Saturday against Purdue-Northwest, but the Pride came away with a 25-19, 25-18, 24-26, 25-20 win. White totaled 16 kills and 5 blocks, Michayla Black finished with 10 kills and Jordan Wehr had 12 assists in the loss.
UAM was scheduled to face Newman University of Kansas at the Hilltopper Classic later Saturday. The Blossoms’ next match is at 11 a.m. Friday against Florida’s Edward Waters University in the Union University Invitational in Jackson, Tenn.