Angelina College has been named the school's fourth softball head coach in the program’s history. Brette Kohring, a Brenham, Texas native, will be leading the helm for the Lady 'Runners softball team.

Kohring is no stranger to the AC softball program.She was a standout player for the Angelina College Lady Roadrunners for two years, leading the 2019 team to a runner-up finish in the national tournament. Her first assistant coaching job landed her right back on the AC campus, where she helped lead the Lady ‘Runners to a 38-16 record in 2022.

She replaces former head coach Josh Barnes who accepted a new position closer to his family in Missouri.

“You know, it was a whirlwind when all this happened, maybe the craziest few days of my life,” Kohring said. “Now that it’s settled down and soaked in, I’m just so excited. It’s such an incredible opportunity. I have a great group of girls returning, and I know it’s going to be so much fun working together.”

Kohring cited her list of mentors she credits for preparing her for this position. She played for Mark and Barbi Mattson, the coaching tandem responsible for the Lady ‘Runners’ national championship in 2014 and the runner-up finish in 2019. The Mattsons own the all-time program record for overall wins, while Barnes established the program record for wins in a season (38) for a first-year coach.

After developing as a player and coach with those different mentors, Kohring said while there will be evidence of their influence, her program will also feature her own approach.

“There will be a little of their styles in what we do, just because that’s how I developed,” Kohring said. “There are certainly some aspects I want to do differently. It’s about finding the right balance of pushing and pulling back. I’ll have to try it out and see what works.”

Easing her transition will be the return of most of last year’s roster, including an All-American and five All-Region and/or All-Conference players. Kohring said she plans to employ the same positive approach that has served her well as both a player and a coach.

Gary Stallard/AC Sport
Gary Stallard/AC Sport
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“I know I did better when I was being encouraged instead of getting torn down, and that’s one thing I want to share with players,” Kohring added. “I want to encourage continuously, just because young players are hard enough on themselves when things aren’t going well for them.”

 

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