Burgess going home
- Updated: May 24, 2024
White Plains, seeking fourth softball coach in four years, turns to alum and former Jacksonville State player to lead program.
By Joe Medley
East Alabama Sports Today
White Plains’ softball program could use stability, and its fourth coach in four years promises just that.
The Calhoun County Board of Education on Friday approved the hiring of former Wildcat Anna Snider Burgess to be the Wildcats’ next head coach. The 2015 graduate and former all-state pitcher, who played for Jacksonville State University, will return to her alma mater after four years as an assistant coach at Alexandria.
“I hope to create an environment of stability,” Burgess said. “It’s the place I where want to raise my family. It means to much to me to not give it everything I have.”
Burgess played for White Plains under long-time coach Rachel Ford, and Burgess’ epic pitching clashes with Saks’ Taylor West were must-see softball. Both went on to play for Jax State.
While attending Jax State, Burgess served as a volunteer assistant coach under Ford in 2019, helping the Wildcats make one of its many state-tournament appearances under Ford.
“Playing at White Plans is where some of my most favorite memories come from,” she said. “I played for Coach Ford, and I was so fortunate to play for her.
“She created a culture of character and integrity. When I think of White Plains and that program, I think about her, going to the playoffs and the bond she helped to create, and I want to give the girls that opportunity.”
Ford retired after the 2022 season to have more time to follow her young children in youth sports. White Plains promoted then assistant Tiffany Williams, who coached one season before then-assistant Lex-Hull Muncher was promoted.
White Plains principal Andy Ward announced Saturday that Muncher would not return after one season. He recommended Burgess to fill the opening and said he’s “thrilled” the board approved her hiring.
“From being a former student and player and now our head coach, I know that she is going to bring a lot of intangibles to WP,” he said. “First and foremost, she is a great person and someone that you want your girls around. She played at a high level at White Plains and went on to play at JSU, so she will be able to instruct our team well.”
Burgess spent the last four seasons working with Alexandria pitchers, including 2022 Class 5A pitcher of the year Rylee Gattis, who went on to play for Carson-Newman University.
Junior Pressley Slaton, most valuable player of this season’s Calhoun County tournament, finished the season with a 27-8 record, 2.28 ERA, 1.21 WHIP and 227 strikeouts.
“Anna was a great assistant for us the last four years,” long-time Alexandria coach and two-time state champion Brian Hess said. “I hate losing her, but I am proud of her and understand. She is ready to be a head coach and will do a fantastic job at White Plains.”
Burgess said her plan is to coach White Plains for”the long haul.”
“I don’t see White Plains as just a job or just a paycheck,” she said. “I see it as home. I see it as the place where I grew up and the place that helped me to grow.”
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