Words by Elizabeth Gillott | Image Courtesy of Sarah Hadder
Orange Beach High School’s softball team recently brought home their third State Championship trophy, but they couldn’t have done it without the guidance of Walker County’s own, Sarah Hadder.
When Sarah’s senior softball season at Sumiton Christian High School got cut short in 2020 due to the pandemic, the ever persistent “what if?” plagued her mind.
After her shortened senior season, the anxiety eased when Sarah was presented with the opportunity to coach at her alma mater, thus opening the door to the possibility of pursuing coaching in the future.
More doors kept opening, and soon, Sarah was welcomed onto the softball coaching staff at Baldwin County’s Orange Beach High School.
“The position of assistant softball coach at Orange Beach High School was made possible because of God. My family put a lot of prayer into it, and in turn the chance arose,” Sarah says.
“When the head coach showed me around the facilities, I was in awe. I knew this was the opportunity of a lifetime. The coaches I coach under are some of the best in the nation if you ask me. Even outside of the softball atmosphere, they are all-around great people” Sarah says.
The 2022-2023 school year was Sarah’s first year at Orange Beach. She began assisting the varsity team, then she was granted the head-coach position for junior varsity. The varsity team won the 4A State Championship this past May, making them three-time state champs. This experience was emotional for Sarah, bringing her back to her senior year.
“The win felt like a dream; I couldn’t stop smiling. The team’s time and effort paid off in the best way, and I’m proud to have been involved.” Sarah says. WL
