Former Magoffin County and UPIKE softball standout Brandi Jo Howard was introduced as the new head softball coach at Pikeville High School during a press conference held at the school on Thursday.
“I”m absolutely honored and thrilled to become part of such a great program here,” she said. “Not only the softball program but a great school in general.”
Howard steps into the shoes of long-time coach Dave Thomas, who guided the Lady Panthers to a 31-11 record and berth in the state tournament this past season.
“I haven’t had a lot of time to talk with him he’s busy getting read for retirement but he plans to hand some things over to me. I’m ready to pick up were he left off and get going,” she said.
At Magoffin County, she had 86 stolen bases, most in KHSAA history. She ranks second overall in career steals with 268 and swiped seven in a single game.
She played in 163 collegiate games and finished with 139 hits, 103 runs scored and drove in 40 runs. Howard played from 2011-15.
Howard served as a UPIKE graduate assistant in 2016-17.