Todd Chesser is returning to French Camp Academy as fast-pitch and slow-pitch softball coach. Previously he spent seven years at the school as an assistant football and baseball coach.
“Then I sat out a couple of years because I went into the ministry," he said. Chesser returned to coaching this year as fast-pitch coach at Hebron Christian Schol.
Chesser replaces Sarah Skidmore at French Camp. “Sarah did a great job with the girls,” he said.
Chesser is also pastor at Blythe Creek Baptish Church in Mathiston, and sees similarities to coaching. “To be a successful coach and to be a successful pastor, it's all about communication.”
He has begun the communication process, meeting with some of the girls who will be on the softball teams. “The girls I have had a chance to meet and talk to, they're excited. We have some talented girls.”
He mentioned Brianna Grice, who did most of the pitching for the Lady Panthers in fast-pitch this past year as a sophomores and was one of the team's best hitters with a .381 batting average. Grice also plays slow-pitch.
Chesser likes to play “small ball.”
“I love the small game," he said. 'Whatever it takes to get runners on base. Let's move them into scoring position. Let's be aggressive on the base paths.”
Chesser said he is thankful to God for giving him the opportunity to coach at French Camp. “Not just to coach, but to interact with the girls I will be coaching," he said.
French Camp competes in MHSAA Region 5-1A in both fast-pitch and slow-pitch.
