MACON, Ga. – Kristy Alvarez’s competitive nature has led to another undertaking at First Presbyterian Day School.
The current FPD Lacrosse head coach has now been named as head coach of the Lady Viking varsity softball team, announced Wednesday, Feb. 24 in a team meeting.
“Kristy Alvarez emerged as the best candidate for our program,” FPD Athletic Director Greg Moore said. “She is passionate about the game, understands our school’s mission, and she has a great heart for leading these girls.”
Alvarez, whose experience as a softball coach is well documented, is excited for the opportunity.
“It’s my passion,” Alvarez said. “I love to compete and I really enjoy leading young ladies not only in the classroom but also on the field. I want them to become better softball players and to be successful in life further down the road.”
Alvarez began her coaching career in 2000 at Central High School in Carrolton, Ga. From 2000 to 2003, Alvarez led her team to two region championships in three years along with appearances in the GHSA Sectionals.
From 2004-05, Alvarez was the assistant coach at Lindsey-Wilson College in Kentucky where she saw the squad win a conference title.
Alvarez made her return to the high school scene in 2005 at Kell High School in Marietta, Ga. In 2008 her team won the Region Championship and in 2009, her crew finished sixth in the GHSA Elite Eight in Columbus, Ga.
“I’m excited for the Softball families at our school – they’re going to love Kristy,” Moore said. “She has great experience as a high-level player, assistant, and as a head coach. Her teams have been successful, and she can very clearly articulate her plans for continuing to build upon the great program that we already have.”
After leaving Kell in 2010, Alvarez took a break from the game, only volunteering and offering her teaching services at the collegiate level.
“I’m committed to working hard and making sure the girls work hard every day,” Alvarez said. “We we will give 100 percent all the time.”
Alvarez’s career record stands at 143-67 as a head softball coach.
She says she plans to get to work quickly with the 2016 season fast approaching.
“I will meet with the seniors as soon as possible and tell them about my coaching philosophy,” Alvarez said. “We’ll then go into team meetings before practice this spring and summer.”
Alvarez earned a B.A. in English with a minor in Education from West Georgia University in Carrolton, Ga. while playing softball for the Braves (now currently the Wolves). She also holds a M.Ed. From Berry College.
A graduate of Ridgeland High School in Rossville, Ga., Alvarez was a member of a Lady Panther team that won a state championship while the sport was still in its slow-pitch stage.
“After being the Lacrosse coach now, I feel like I know the ‘FPD way.’ That will be really helpful in leading a new chapter of FPD Fastpitch,” Alvarez said.
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 following the Vikings on Twitter at @FPDVikingSports and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/fpdathletics.