By DREW GRANTHUM/Sports Editor

PELHAM — The search for Amy Sullivan’s successor as head softball coach at Pelham High is over.

Assistant coach Sabrina Tutchtone has been promoted to head coach, Pelham athletic director Kim Kiel announced in an email June 10. Tutchtone said she was appreciative of the opportunity.

“I’m thankful to Coach Kiel for the opportunity,” she said in a phone interview the same date.

Tutchtone has served as the Panthers’ assistant coach for the past two seasons. She came to Pelham after serving as the head coach of the Prattville Lions’ varsity softball program from 2009-11. Prior to her role as head coach, she served as an assistant at Prattville from 2003-2009. The Lions made the state tournament once under Tutchtone’s guidance

Tutchtone addressed the fact that the Panthers will be affected by the upcoming Pelham/Helena split, but said she felt the team would have no problems adjusting.

“It’ll be a challenge,” she said. “I’m excited for the smaller setting. Everything is going to be different because of the big changes. Coach Sullivan had a successful (program), we hope to build it back to that.”
She also said she felt that having already known the players gave her an advantage.

“The girls know what I expect,” she said. “We lost eight starters, (but) we’re returning Madi Walker. We’re looking to build from her. Steeley Martin, Maddie Wedford, they can definitely contribute. With this transition, we’re excited.”