Longtime La Vergne softball coach Brenda Morris retires

One of the state's longest tenured softball coaches is calling it a career.

Brenda Morris, who has guided the La Vergne softball program for the past 27 years, announced her retirement Friday. She will remain at the school as a teacher.

She was just the third coach in the 32-year history of La Vergne, taking over in 1993. During the 27-year span she coached in more than 800 games.

"It is time," Morris said. "It has been a wonderful, rewarding and heartfelt experience, having the amazing opportunity to touch the lives of hundreds of talented and dedicated athletes during my tenure."

Morris' teams went 362-469 during the 27 years. She enjoyed most of her success in her first decade with the Lady Wolverines before new schools and rezoning began to take a toll on the level of talent entering the program.

She was named District 9-AAA Coach of the Year in both 1997 and 2000 and took the 2001 Lady Wolverine squad to the Class AAA sectional.

"Her character and influence on her players for the past (27) years has been tremendous," said La Vergne principal Dirk Ash. "No one has ever questioned her integrity and character and how she made a difference in her kids. 

Morris said one of her favorite aspects of coaching was giving out "Wolverine Paws" to players who achieved personal and team achievements during games, a tradition she started in her first year. I'm glad she'll still be on the faculty, but we'll miss how she's impacted the kids."

She also started each game by calling out the "winning lineup" to her team.

Nicknamed "Morris Code" by her players, Morris had 32 players and two managers go on to compete at the college level during her tenure.

"My favorite quote (from Ash) is 'Play hard, play smart and play together.' We did just that as a team," Morris said. "It has been an honor and privilege to coach the game I love at the school I love. I wish the future of La Vergne softball only the very best, always."

Reach Cecil Joyce at cjoyce@dnj.com or 615-278-5168 and on Twitter @Cecil_Joyce.