Lee University head softball coach Emily Russell has announced that Tanner Moore has agreed to become her assistant coach replacing Andy Klaus, who recently resigned.
 
"While a mid-year change is not ideal, we are excited for Andy and his opportunity at the Division 1 level (Norfolk State).  He has aspirations of becoming a D1 head coach and this is a great step for him in this journey."
 
Moore was an NAIA All-American baseball player for the Flames (2009-10) and was inducted into the Lee Athlete Hall of Fame in November (2015).
 
"We are extremely excited that we are able to bring Tanner back to Lee and become a member of our softball staff," said Moore. "He has been coaching club baseball and also coached baseball and softball at the high school level.  He has a wealth of experience in baseball and we feel very confident in his ability to teach hitting and work with fielders.  He is extremely motivated to help this team reach its goal of a GSC championship.
 
"We are fortunate that he was willing to join us in January," she pointed out. "Any time you can add a person of Tanner's caliber to your coaching staff it will pay dividends.  He is a student of the game and I think he will impact our program right away."
 
Said Moore, "I'm excited to start the New Year with the team at Lee."
The new Lee coach took time to answer questions about his new position.

What high school did you work at this past fall?
"I have been at Heritage High School in Ringgold Ga. for the last 3 1/2 years. This past fall was my first season with the fast-pitch program, and our girls had a strong season, finishing 33-6 and a third-place finish in the state championship (Class AAAA)."

 What club program have you worked with during the summer months?
"I have not been directly involved with a club program in softball. I have been a coach in baseball the last six summers for the Chattanooga Cyclones organization under the direction of George Koontz."

What has turned your attention toward softball?
"This fall was the first year for head coach Jason Carter at Heritage. I came on staff to assist him in this new endeavor and I will be as honest as possible: our girls and team at Heritage have ignited a new passion within me through the game of softball that I didn't know could exist. The fast pace of the game keeps your brain at work and challenges you as a coach to always be prepared mentally. Overall, I will have to say the passion for the way the game is played by our girls at Heritage and softball players in general is what has turned my attention toward this game."

How does it feel to be returning to Lee as a coach?
"It's truly a blessing to be able to have an opportunity to return to your alma mater to coach. I am grateful to coach Russell, athletic director Larry Carpenter and Lee University for believing and trusting in me with this opportunity. Lee has a special place in my heart, and I am excited to be a part of Flame Nation everyday now."

What do you feel are the strong points you will bring to the program?
"I believe any team is only as strong as the unit put together: the overall team. I am a team player that puts the team above anything else. I believe my personality is very approachable and optimistic. I believe these traits will carry over to Team 30 and drive the overall goal for the Lee softball program."