Lady Cougars Counting Down To New Season

The Piedmont Academy fast-pitch softball team has been busy preparing for a new season under the guidance of a new head coach.

Joe Johnson is leading the Lady Cougars for 2019 as Piedmont tries to make another deep run in the state playoffs. Players have been working four days per week.

“Things look good so far,” Johnson said. “I am excited about the potential of the team. We may be a little better than I had anticipated in the beginning.”

Piedmont will be a young squad this upcoming season with just one senior. However, several players who were key contributors last fall are back.

“Most of our infield is returning,” Johnson said. “We should be in pretty good shape.”

Official preseason practices began July 1 and are held Monday through Thursday of each week from 6-8 p.m.

“We have had to work around vacations but that’s a given this time of the year,” Johnson said. “The players are getting plenty of work. The entire coaching staff has been impressed.”

Piedmont’s Middle School players have been taking part in summer workouts and practices as well. Johnson said there are 22 players in the fast-pitch program.

Players have several more days before actual games are played.

“I am interested to see how we do when we take the field against someone,” Johnson said.

The new Lady Cougars coach replaces Colt Spivey in directing the program. Johnson’s daughter Madison will be a senior player this upcoming school year.

Piedmont finished as state-runner up in 2018 after winning the state title the previous season. Seven players graduated from the 2018 team.