Lawrence County softball coach Meleah Howard has been selected as The Daily Leader’s All-Area Slowpitch Coach of the Year for 2015.

The Lady Cougars stormed through the season to finish 24-4 overall and won the Region 7-4A crown with an undefeated 8-0 record.

Prior to the season opening in August, Howard was expecting to have a rebuilding season after losing eight starting players to graduation. But her girls came together and worked hard to improve their skills – and it showed.

“I was very pleased with how well our season went, even through we fell short at the end,” said Howard. “I wasn’t expecting us to finish our season as district champ and finish 24-4 on the season. Our younger, less experienced girls really stepped up and the veteran players did a great job leading the team.

“I am very shocked and happy at the same time to receive this honor,” said Howard. “I did not think we would have as good of a year as we did this season.”

Howard had several players who stepped up when it mattered most. In the Lady Cougars’ starting lineup were Tyranesha Davis, right center; Josey Nations, second base; Jordan Harp, catcher; Maddux Kirkland, left field; Zyon Feazell, first base; Amanda Rushing, third base; Sydney Pevey, shortstop; Abbie Errington, right field; Barri, pitcher and Callie Fortenberry, left center.

Other members on the squad were Emalle Gaffney, Julianna Johnson, Alyssa Lambert, Raylee Ready, Abbey Turnage, Skyler Speights, Julie Nations, Tara Ervin, Lily Stephens, Gin Fortenberry, Jadasia Grandberry, Ashley Holden and Maddie Claire Sauls. Howard’s assistant coaches are Marc Howard and Craig Davis.

“The community and administration are very supportive and positive of our program,” she said. “We really appreciate of all the fans and local support.”

Outside Howard’s coaching responsibilities, she is a geometry teacher at Lawrence County High School. Howard said that during her off time from school and coaching, she loves spending time with her husband Marc and her son Jack (20 months). She also enjoys watching movies and shopping.