Kelli Buffington is the new assistant coach for the Fair Grove High School Lady Eagle softball players’ 2024 season.
Buffington, wife of Assistant Elementary School Principal Ryan Buffington, begins her first season coaching high school softball this year. Previously, she has coached youth teams, building in those players a thorough understanding of the fundamentals. “I have mainly coached travel ball and Eagles youth programs from 12 and under . . .” said Buffington.
Along with coaching youth teams, Buffington has played softball for much of her life, including in college. “I’ve always had a love and passion for it and thought this would be a good fit,” she said.
Some of Buffington’s goals for the season include doing her best to help the team achieve their own goals. “I want to bring a competitive passion and energy and be there to support the girls,” stated Buffington.
Buffington spent some time preparing for her first year as Assistant Coach. She and Head Coach Tara Whetzell recently attended a coach’s clinic where they saw drills and ideas that they can use in practices throughout the season. “I’ve spent time with Coach Whetzell and seeing what she wants out of me for the season,” said Buffington.
Softball started off-season practice earlier this month. The players have been focusing on fundamentals and the small things in order to be able to work on bigger things later in the season. Buffington expressed how the players want to have high energy and be able to compete every day.
Softball’s first games are in mid March against Stockton (March 18th), Ava (March 19th), and Pierce City (March 21st). The varsity team plays at 5:00pm for all three games and junior varsity plays after.
