Ashbrook grad returns to alma mater as softball coach

GASTONIA — Ashbrook has turned to one of its own to lead the Green Wave softball program.

The school hired 2005 graduate Meredith Bolin as varsity head coach. Bolin replaces Erin Murphy, who coached one season.

“Ashbrook softball has always been close to my heart because I played there all through high school,” Bolin said.

And that’s why Bolin believes she’s well suited for the job despite a lack of significant coaching experience. She began her coaching career this past spring when she served as an Ashbrook assistant coach for a portion of the season.

“She helped us out at the end of the season last year, so she knows a lot of the girls,” athletic director Chad Duncan said. “She’s definitely got some great connections in the community.

“I believe she’s going to be a very hard worker and determined to make sure Ashbrook softball comes back.”

One of her connections is former Ashbrook head coach Rex “Gabby” Carnes, who guided the Green Wave to a pair of conference championships during his tenure from 2000 to 2009. The two championships came in 2004 and 2005 — Bolin’s final two years at Ashbrook. Bolin began playing for Carnes when she was 8 and later joined his travel team Gaston Thunder in addition to playing for him at Ashbrook as a center fielder.

“I feel like he’s going to be a good resource for me to have,” Bolin said.

A UNC Greensboro graduate, Bolin recently finished her first year as a first-grade teacher at North Belmont Elementary. She will keep that position while coaching at Ashbrook.

Bolin is trying to help the Green Wave rebound from a 1-21 season.

“We had a rough year last year,” she said, “and so I think it’s going to be good to bring somebody back that has a passion for Ashbrook and Ashbrook softball.”

You can reach Phillip Gardner at 704-869-1843.