Many would have expected Tanner Moore to become a high school or college baseball coach. He enjoyed a tremendous two-year career at Lee University (2009-10) and was a Gold Glove winner for his defensive play. In 2010, Moore recorded a Lee single-season mark with 22 home runs while hitting .379 and knocking in 77 baserunners. He earned NAIA All-American honors after helping direct the Flames to a Final Four appearance in the NAIA World Series in 2009. Lee returned to the Series and was runner-up in 2010. He was inducted into the Lee Athletic Hall of Fame in 2015. Tanner graduated from Lee in 2012 with a degree in mathematics education.
Praise for Lee Leaders: "Lee has meant a tremendous amount to me in my life as I have experienced life at Lee as a student, athlete and coach/employee. Coach (Mark) Brew and Coach (Emily) Russell have been two major influences in my life and have helped shape me into the coach I am today. Dr. (Gary) Riggins and Dr. (Delia) Price in the educational department were huge roles for me as a student while I was earning my degree in math education. It is rather rare to meet a math teacher who is also an avid coach. I've only met a handful in my career so far," reflected Tanner.
He appeared headed toward a baseball coaching career when he was hired to teach math and be the assistant baseball coach at Heritage High School (Ringgold, Georgia). Moore was an assistant coach for the Generals spanning 3 1/2 years and also an assistant softball coach for half a year. The table turned when he was asked by Lee softball Coach Russell to return to his alma mater and serve as her assistant.
He worked with the Lady Flames for two seasons and in 2017 he helped guide the Lee softball team to a historical NCAA (D2) Super Regional appearance, the first-ever in the program's history.
Finding a home at Heritage: Softball became a way of life for the former baseball standout. He returned to Heritage as head softball coach for the Lady Generals. He was back at a program that had already enjoyed its share of success. Heritage won its first GHSA 4A state championship in 2019 and Moore was named the GHSA 4A Coach of the Year.
"The support system at Heritage is second to none. From the administration to the faculty to the athletes to the parents/community, it's such an amazing place to work and coach! Everyone is willing to help at the drop of a hat. It's a huge blessing to have that, as it is rare in public secondary education," explained Tanner.
Adding travel team duties: As his stock continued to grow in Georgia softball, Moore has taken on the duties of coaching the Tennessee Mojo 2022 travel team organization. "While still considered to be young in the coaching ranks, he already has an impressive resume. In two years, Coach Moore has a 47-16 record as head coach. His positivity and team-first attitude has found success in the softball ranks," said a leader of Mojo 2022.
About coaching the talented Mojo 2022 ladies: "These ladies are very talented and I have such a fun time working and teaching/coaching them. They are from five different states and play at a high level of softball. The summer schedule is being worked on with some tournaments being postponed. But we are hopeful they will get to play some this summer," said Tanner.
Baseball not in his plans: "Honestly this question has been asked to me so many times. I can say I have consistently said no every time. I love softball, the game, the athletes, and the community. The strategy of the game is so much fun to coach and be around and I feel my personality/coaching style fits very well with the female athletes. We have a positive, fun atmosphere around any team I've been involved with while also being competitive and playing at a high level. I don't ever see myself leaving softball for baseball again," he pointed out.
Concerns about Covid-19: "As for the virus, I am concerned since there are no answers yet. However, all we can do is pray that God is in control of this situation and is handling it in His way. Our players are working on their own and some are starting to work a little with their travel teams. We can start conditioning on June 8, per GHSA rules (no balls allowed though, so only working out)" he concluded.
