MACON, Ga. – FPD’s baseball coach will have a new diamond to work on in the fall.

The FPD Athletic Department and Athletic Director Greg Moore announced the appointment of Denny Bryant to interim head softball coach at a team meeting on Tuesday, May 9.

Bryant will replace Kristy Alvarez, who is stepping aside from coaching.

“We appreciate Kristy’s work – she stepped into high expectations, and last year’s team achieved at the highest level at the right time. We wish her much success at home as she steps away from her coaching duties.”

Bryant is no stranger to the FPD campus, having served as head baseball coach the past three seasons and leading the Vikings to three straight GHSA Class-A State Tournament appearances.

“I’m excited about the opportunity,” Bryant said. “It’s a new challenge for me and I know that I can use my baseball knowledge to become a better softball coach as well as use my gained softball knowledge to be a better baseball coach.”

Bryant is a graduate of Windsor Academy and played baseball, football, and basketball as a Knight.

As a collegiate athlete from 1998-2001, Bryant played one year of baseball at Mercer before transferring to Valdosta State University to close out his playing career as a Blazer.

While at Valdosta, he earned a M.A. in Accomplished Teaching to go along with his Health and Physical Education Degree.

“The goal is to continue to grow the program and keep the consistency that (former) coach Jim Turner and Kristy Alvarez laid,” Bryant said. “We have a good group of young ladies who are returning and they know what it takes to make it in our league.”

Before coming to FPD three years ago, Bryant served as an assistant baseball coach at Jones County High School for 10 years. He was also the assistant girls basketball coach for two years.

“Our expectations remain high as we move forward,” Bryant said. “I’m excited to take over a program that has a tradition of excellence on the field and in the classroom. We will keep that same winning attitude and mentality going forward.”

The Lady Vikings have advanced to the GHSA Class-A Final Four the past four years, including picking up the program’s first GHSA State Championship in 2016.

The First Presbyterian Day School Department of Athletics strives to build the student athlete both in the playing arena and the classroom while upholding the school’s mission statement to educate and equip students to change the world for God’s glory. For more information, visit www.fpdvikings.com and sign up for up-to-the-minute news and scores by visiting www.twitter.com/FPDVikingSports.