Bridgeport High School Athletic Director Tom Sears is in the midst of a coaching search for the head position of one of the school’s varsity sports programs. And he’s happy and sad about it at the same time.

 

“You could see the turnaround in the program and what was being built, and you hate to see that go,” said Sears. “But, when you leave for something that you have been wanting to do, and for a while, it is totally understandable. “

 

The person leaving is Adrianne McPhillips Kidwell. The softball coach for the Indians recently submitted her resignation – and it was accepted by the Harrison County Board of Education – after one year of coaching.

 

The reason had nothing to do with a disdain for the program, the community, or lack of support. In fact, Kidwell said it was the exact opposite.

 

“I enjoyed my time there and appreciated, particularly being a first-year coach, the support from Tom (Sears) because there was so much to learn and he was always helpful,” she said. “On top of that, the community was supportive, and my assistant was supportive, which made things point in a positive direction.”

 

So, why step down?

 

“I am moving to back to Ohio to teach agriculture at the high school I graduated from,” she said. “I knew if that position became available, I would be interested in it, and it became available at Hillsdale High School. Ever since graduating from college I have wanted to teach there. May passion is strong for this.

 

“The connection is also strong to return,” she continued. “I was born and raised in that area (Wooster, Ohio).”

 

While Kidwell, like all coaches, was hoping for a state tournament berth, she and Sears knew turning the program around – from the culture up – was paramount. And Sears said that happened in a season that finished 9-12.

 

“We were pleased with what Coach Kidwell did. It was quite remarkable in year one how she elevated the status of the program,” said ears. “The win totals were up, but more importantly, you could see the energy with her team, you could see smiles on the faces of girls, and you could see improvement as the season went on.

 

“She was like by the players and the community, which matters more when you’re rebuilding things,” he continued. “Multiple parents reached out to tell us thank you for having her as the coach. I think they could see the change, and possibly what was coming, too.”

 

Kidwell said she was confident that the pieces were in place to bring softball into an annual contender. Despite leaving, her plans were already looking well ahead before the teaching position in Ohio came open.

 

“For sure, the foundation was laid, which was putting the positive culture into the program,” she said. “In the next five years, I could see exponential strides that would have been made. I think that is a very real possibility with hard work and dedication by the team and whoever is next.”

 

As for who is next. That will be determined in the weeks ahead. The posting for the job ended Wednesday.

 

“We’ll look at who applies, go through the interview process and find the right fit for Bridgeport High School," Sears said. “The goal is to keep the trajectory in the right direction.”

 

Sears said interviewing is not easy. In fact, he called it challenging and pointed to Kidwell as an example.

 

“Adrianne had applied for the South Harrison coaching position when I was AD there and she nailed the interview,” said Sears. “We opted to go with Coach (Andi) Koontz who was the middle school coach there and she had an incredible interview too. They were both so good it was hard to determine the direction because both were quality candidates, and both have shown they can coach.”

 

When the Bridgeport job came open, Sears was thrilled to see Kidwell on the list of applicants.

 

“You’re looking for the core things, such as being a good fit at Bridgeport, having a high level of expectations to be a competitive team,” said Sears. “With softball, we also wanted someone to not only understand the game but balance the competitive expectations and have fun at the same time. Coach Kidwell did that.”

 

Sears said a hire will be in place before school starts. There is no concern about Kidwell leaving (even though the effective resignation is June 30, which is standard) with the June practice sessions in place. Softball, like baseball, has travel teams and are not generally

 

“Realistically, we’re probably not going to see any movement until maybe August,” said Sears. “She’s going to be tough to replace, which is always difficult when the coach is doing what you want and more. Still, she’s chasing what she’s always wanted, and we all wish her the best.”

 

As for Kidwell, she, too, said it is hard to head to the Buckeye State even with it being her home state.

 

“It’s bittersweet because of everything we’ve built since we’ve been in West Virginia, and that goes beyond softball,” she said. “I will certainly miss the program, the players, and everything involved with it.”

 

Editor's Note: Top two photos shows Coach Adrianna Kidwell during her time this past season with the Indians, while Assistant Principal and Athletic Director Tom Sears is shown at the boys state basketball tournament below.