By Marty Gordon
NRVsports@ourvalley.org
Haley O’Brien Smith is returning to the Radford High School softball field as the school’s new coach.
The former RHS pitcher finished her Radford career with a .585 batting average and 18 homers, which still stands as the school record. Her junior year, she was named first-team Virginia High School Coaches Association infield, first-team infield All-Conference 45, first-team infield 1A West Region, and second-team 1A All-State. In 2013, she helped the team win the Three Rivers District Tournament.
An injury brought her playing career to a screeching halt, but she has always been determined to give back to the game she loves.
Last year, she started teaching at RHS, and when the coaching position came open, she knew she had to consider it. Being the head varsity softball coach at Radford has been a dream of hers since she was little.
“RHS softball has no state championships, so that is always a big goal,” Smith said. “My ultimate goal is to push our girls to be the best teammates, athletes, and contributors to society that they can be. These athletes haven’t played a full season in three years. Our main goal is to build back better and stronger than before with deep roots of Bobcat pride and tradition.”.
The former Bobcat pitcher added that being back at Veterans Field in Radford gear feels right.
“Softball was my first love. This field is where I fell in love with the game,” she said.
Workouts are scheduled to begin next week, and the new coach will quickly learn what team she might have for the spring.
