Charlie Duncan had an outstanding at the helm of the Danville girls’ softball team, and he was recognized for his efforts by being named the Knox Morrow Athletic Conference Coach of the Year and District Coach of the Year
This was the first time the team had ever one a KMAC title, and it was Duncan’s first tome winning the award for the conference. He won District Coach of the Year in 2022, as well.
“The KMAC right now has some amazing coaches who bring out the best in their girls and the entire league,” Duncan said. “I respect them as competitors and friends.”
The Blue Devils had won the Mid-Buckeye Conference 14 years, but this was the first since moving to KMAC in 2017. He said this is highly impressive as it is one of the strongest conferences in Ohio. He gave much of the credit for his accolades to the team personnel.
“And we couldn't have done any of this without the girls,” Duncan said. “They bought in, believed in us as coaches, and put in the work to become not only great players but amazing young ladies.”
This year’s team went 23-5 and were undefeated in KMAC play. This was the fourth most wins in Blue Devils history. The Blue Devils had the KMAC player of the year (Grace Gronberg); three first team All-KMAC (Alicia Humphrey, Abigail Sapp, Maddy Payne); three second teamers (Emily Weckesser, Addison Mickley, Addy Bocock); and an honorable mention All-KMAC in Jaylyn Smith.
He called himself “blessed and honored” to win the awards, but also said this had plenty to do with the staff surrounding him.
“I like to call this ‘Coaching Staff of the Year,’” he said. “Shane Coffield, who coaches first base for me and does a million things behind the scenes; Jamie Gronberg, my pitching coach who has developed two of the top pitchers in the area and more coming; Quentin Cottrell, my infield coach and hype man; Lindsey Epler and Bri Staats, who have been great role models and coaches for these ladies.”
