Softball program adds new editions
August 26, 2022
After losing a head coach mid season last year, the girls softball program has bounced back with two new faces leading the team.
Athletic director Patrick Johnson announced Jordan Tarver, the baseball head coach, as the new head coach and Brishanti Weaver, a new Midtown math teacher, has taken up the assistant coach position.
With Tarver as the baseball head coach, the Knights had an overall record of 14-12, making it to the GHSA State Tournament but falling to Blessed Trinity in the first round. Because of his success with the baseball team, Johnson thought Tarver would be the ideal fit for the girls.
“Coach Tarver did a great job for us as head coach of baseball last year,” Johnson said. “So, we were excited to bring him on as head coach of softball, too.”
Johnson admires Weaver’s collegiate softball experience. She played at Albany State for two years.
“Coach Weaver has a lot of experience in softball, having played in high school and college,” Johnson said. “So, we think she can help share that knowledge with our athletes.”
Softball has always been a part of Weaver’s life, teaching her passion, work ethic and drive:Things she hopes to install in the girls.
“Softball has been passed down through generations in my family, it was instilled in me at a young age,” Weaver said. “I’ve always had the passion and ambition with everything dealing with softball. I hope to be able to share my passion, work ethic, drive, determination and persistence with the young athletes, as well as be a motivator on and off the field.”
This will be Weaver’s first year coaching high school.
“I volunteer for my county’s recreation department to coach softball as well as offer lessons when needed,” Weaver said of her previous coaching experience.
Weaver believes her positive energy is a good fit at Midtown.
“I love the positive and inviting atmosphere and everything Midtown has to offer,” Weaver said. “I feel as though I am a great addition to Midtown. Knowing that I have a positive spirit and I am ambitious in reaching any goal that is set.”
Senior Hannah Palep is excited to see the difference Weaver’s experiences bring to the program.
“I have also really enjoyed getting to know coach Weaver, and I think she will become a great asset to the team,” Palep said. “I think it’s really awesome that she decided to help out the team this season, especially because this is her first year at Midtown. Coach Weaver played collegiate level softball; so, she has a lot of experience with the sport and can offer a lot of great suggestions and advice to help us get better.”
Palep says Tarver brings a new perspective to the team.
“I have really enjoyed having coach Tarver as a new coach for the team because I feel like he brings a new perspective on coaching, coming from baseball,” Palep said. “He’s also a really fun and outgoing person to be around, and I think the girls have really enjoyed his help this season.”
Johnson believes Weaver and Tarver will make a difference this year.
“I think that coach Tarver and coach Weaver combined are a terrific coaching duo to help lead our team this year and put them in the best possible situation for success,” Johnson said.