A few weeks after winning state championship, area softball coach announces retirement

Darrell Adkins’ last game as coach of the Alexander Central High softball team will always be remembered.

Alexander Central beat Cleveland High 6-4 in 11 innings last month to win the school’s 10th N.C. High School Athletic Association state championship.

This week, Adkins announced his retirement.

“Retiring from coaching is a big step,” he said. “I have always been in and around sports in Alexander County, beginning as a player at AC and later as an assistant coach and finally as a head coach. My first thought, looking back, is that my wife and family have been very supportive of all my coaching responsibilities with the long hours of practice and long days for the games. Coaching is truly a family commitment.”

Adkins was hired in the summer of 2015 to replace longtime coach Monte Sherrill. Adkins was an assistant under Sherrill from 2009-15.

In his three seasons as head coach, Adkins’ teams finished 79-15.

“I would like to thank the players who have touched my life,” Adkins said. “I will always remember the players, the plays made and the life-changing moments we shared together. I will remember all the hard work and long hours from our dedicated young players. I can only hope that our players will always believe in themselves as much as I believe in them.”