University Heights Academy has named Derrick Herndon as its new varsity softball coach.
The announcement came Thursday at the school from UHA Athletics Director Taylor Sparks.
Herndon was the school’s middle school softball coach in the fall. He also has been a recreational league coach.
Herndon replaces Ashlie Ezell, who resigned last spring for family reasons. Ezell coached the Lady Blazers for two seasons and compiled a 10-21 record.
Herndon said he was excited about the opportunity to lead the Lady Blazers’ program.
Herndon’s assistant coach is a familiar name to area softball fans. Former Christian County High School star Hannah Hodge will serve as the Lady Blazers’ assistant.
Hodge said her daughter is playing middle school softball and she is joining the coaching staff hoping to build the program so there is a strong high school program in place in a few years.
Hodge is a 2011 graduate of Christian County. She played for coaches Tony Burkeen and David Joiner and helped the Lady Colonels win four straight Region 2 titles from 2007-10.
Herndon said having Hodge on the staff was vital in his decision to take the job.
The new coaches met with the players following the announcement and said they hope that they can build their numbers for the 2026 season.
Photo by Joe Wilson