SUMMIT – Maggie Jackson, a former Southwest softball standout, was introduced as the Lady Bears new assistant coach. She returns to Southwest following two years in the same position at her high school alma mater, Parklane Academy.

“I really enjoyed my time here at Southwest (as a player)”, Jackson said. “I played two years and I am very excited about coming back to help build a stronger program and hopefully have more consistent success. I’m also very excited to work alongside Head Coach Shea Johnson.”

A two-year starter for the Lady Bears, Jackson hit .376 in her final season with five home runs and three triples among her 44 hits. She next spent two years as a starter at Delta State University and hit .343 as a senior with two home runs and two triples among her 60 hits. She graduated from Delta State in 2012 with a B.S. degree in Elementary Education.

“Jackson brings high energy that should really help with recruiting and she is also familiar with the recruiting process,” said Johnson.

Johnson also said Jackson is an “outstanding young coach who will be coaching the outfielders. She will bring a wealth of knowledge with her fitness background as well as working with our hitters.”

Dr. Bill Ashley (Vice-President for Student Affairs & Director of Athletics) said “Hiring Coach Jackson was a great opportunity for the college to get an accomplished coach. I feel like we fell in a swinging bucket. As competitive as our league is in signing quality student-athletes and game competition, it is equally as competitive to hire high quality personnel like Ms. Jackson. She really contributed to the college as a player and is ready to help Coach Johnson with developing our young team this upcoming year.”

Being at Southwest is a family affair for Jackson. Both her parents, Jill and Ken Jackson, are Southwest graduates as are her sister, Hayley Hicks, and brother-in-law Brett Hicks.