Starmount softball coach steps down

Heather Courts, who has led Starmount High’s softball program the past 13 years, has stepped down from her post. She plans to stay at the school and serve as a teacher and assistant athletics director.

“After a long time thinking and praying I have decided to retire from coaching softball to be a mom,” Courts said Tuesday. “It is too much time away from my little girl and time goes to fast. After 13 years of coaching here at SHS it was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. Like I told my girls, I’m not sure who I am without softball. But, being a mom is more important.”

Starmount softball has been a conference and state contender for multiple years under Courts. The 2010 team advanced to the state championship series at the 2A level, while her 2003 group advanced to the state championship series as a 1A school. Courts’ final team finished with a record of 18-6, finishing second in the Mountain Valley 1A/2A Conference. The Rams beat Carver 25-0 in the opening round of the state playoffs before falling to West Stokes 9-3.

Starmount has not yet announced a replacement for Courts (whose married name is Heather Courts Tysinger).

“I know we will find someone good,” Courts said.