By Ross Johnson

Sports Writer

The Troup High softball team found a perfect fit to lead its program in George Gilbert.

Gilbert, who is also an assistant on the Tigers’ boys basketball team, took the reigns from Lindsey Barnes and is looking to revamp the Lady Tigers.

With two daughters - Jocilyn, a senior, and Jessica, a freshman - on the team, it wasn’t a difficult decision for Gilbert to take over.

“I didn’t want just anyone to do it,” said Gilbert, who noted he has a passion for coaching softball. “I wanted someone to be able to take the team to the next level, and I felt like I was a good fit for the program and the girls.”

The Lady Tigers have been participating in voluntary workouts since early July, and official practices began Aug. 1.

Troup will dive into games Friday, when the team heads to a tournament in Villa Rica.

The Lady Tigers will face Ridgeland at 7:30 p.m.

Gilbert was a teacher at Troup High earlier this decade before heading to Gardner-Newman Middle as a softball and basketball coach.

In 2007, he returned to Troup, and was given the head softball coach title in May.

“Softball is what I really love,” Gilbert said. “I have a passion for both (softball and basketball), but I love to see the progression of the girls as they continue to play.”

The Lady Tigers came up just short of a state berth with a fifth-place finish in Region 2-AAA last season, and only four players return with much playing experience.

Troup also has several players who haven’t seen a minute of varsity playing time, most notably in the outfield.

Still, Gilbert figures the team should also aim high, and that’s what he’s doing.

“My goal is to win state,” Gilbert said. “I think we have a chance to do it.”

In order for the Lady Tigers to enjoy success this fall, it’ll have to start on the mound.

Luckily, Troup returns senior pitcher Victoria Hull, who has been a force on the team for years.

“We’re looking for big things from Victoria,” Gilbert said. “She’s become a great team leader.”

Hull, Jocelyn Gilbert, Carrie Harper and Kendall Woodall will be the only returning starters for the Lady Tigers, and Gilbert is quite familiar with each of them.

He’s coached three of those girls, along with several others who are on the team’s roster, in his previous stops as a coach.

“It helps having coached some of them,” Gilbert said. “I know what they’re capable of.”

Gilbert also pointed to a pair of freshmen in Jessica Gilbert and Chelsea Bozeman as young contributors.

Both of those players were on the Troup County team that finished second in the Georgia Recreation and Parks Association state tournament.

“I think we’ll be good for years to come,” Gilbert said.