Tanner Moore returns to Lee as Lady Flames softball assistant coach
Photo by George Starr
Former Flames' baseball player Tanner Moore has returned to Lee as the new assistant coach for the Lady Flames softball team.
Moore was working as a math teacher at Heritage High School in Ringgold, Georgia for 3.5 years before being offered the job by Head Coach Emily Russell.
Russell said Moore's playing experience at Lee will benefit him as a coach at the university.
'If they are already familiar with the people or the place, there is less training and catching up to do.' Russell said. 'Having someone with that level of knowledge and skill ' helped make sure we were going to make a smooth transition, and honestly I don't think we could have made a better pick.'
Moore only began coaching the team for the 2016 season, yet he said he has been able to adjust to the team's needs quickly and has been able to connect with them in a short time.
'I'm a very positive guy and very optimistic,' Moore said. 'I like to joke around and be humorous and have fun, but I also have a seriousness about what I do and how I couch. I think that blend of fun-loving, caring, as well as competitiveness has blended well with the team.'
Lady Flames' pitcher Angie Hughes said the players have welcomed Moore with open arms and have adjusted well to having their new coach.
'He played at Lee so he knows the atmosphere and he's really motivated and wants to see us all succeed,' Hughes said. 'He's very high-energy and he keeps us motivated.'
Moore said he plans to stay with Lee until the end of his career. He feels that this is where God wants him to be, with his family close by to support him.
'Lee is somewhere I could be for the rest of my career; it's that type of place. If there are options down the road I would never put those away and say no, but I love Lee. I loved it as a student and I can see myself here for a very long time.'
