By Josh Beavers
Minden High School is proud to announce the appointment of Maggie Watts as the new head coach for the Lady Tiders softball team. Watts, who has served as an assistant coach for the past three years, is set to bring her passion, experience, and commitment to the forefront as she takes on this new role.
In an exclusive interview with the Journal, Watts shared her journey and what inspired her to pursue a coaching career in softball. “Softball has been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember. From the time I could walk to playing college ball to now, it has been a key component in who I am,” Watts said. “God has given me ample opportunities that I would not have gotten otherwise had it not been for participating in this sport, and ultimately into helping other young women in it as well. There is no greater feeling than when someone you have been working with finds something that clicks, whether it be a pitch, a play, or a swing. I am beyond excited to continue doing that at Minden High School.”
Watts brings a wealth of experience to the table, having coached the 10U Lady Gators travel ball team and assisted with Minden High School softball. “The travel ball team was my first taste of coaching, and I was immediately pulled in. Working with young girls with a game that I have always loved brought great fulfillment,” she explained. “The past three years helping with Minden Softball has taught me how to teach girls not only about the sport, but so much more! I have learned the patience and dedication that goes into running a successful program. It goes so much further than the field.”
Her coaching philosophy is built on four main principles: integrity, commitment, respect, and pride. “I have high expectations for these girls, and it starts with striving to have integrity in every circumstance. I want to teach these girls that holding firm in your values is important,” Watts stated. “Respect and pride go hand in hand. It is important that these girls respect themselves, their peers, their school, and the opportunities that they have been given. By playing for Minden High softball, they are representing their families, this school, and this community.”
Watts plans to develop both the athletic skills and personal growth of her players by leading by example. “I show them that I am dedicated to them and this program, and push them to do the same in return! It takes a village, and I plan to bring in different people in this community to help push these girls to be the very best on and off the field,” she said.
Her goals for the Minden High School softball program are both immediate and forward-thinking. “Short-term goals include building a strong foundation with each other. I want these girls to come together and see what it is to be a strong team,” she noted. “Long-term goals include building a program that people want to be a part of. This includes not only the team this year, but the future teams with young girls in the community that are coming up. I want people to be excited to come and play at Minden High.”
In addition to her coaching responsibilities, Watts holds a bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of Dallas and is certified to teach high school Biology. She will continue to teach Biology I and Biology II at Minden High, contributing to the academic success of her students.
The Minden High School community warmly welcomes Maggie Watts as the new head softball coach and looks forward to the positive impact she will undoubtedly have on the Lady Tiders softball program.