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Debra Jan Dobbs (Barton)
Iyhia McMichael has a successful softball background.
From her outstanding career at Nacogdoches High School that ended in 2000, her All-American performance at Mississippi State University and her accolades on the professional level and with Team USA, McMichael has a loaded resume.
After her playing career, McMichael decided to take her knowledge and turn to coaching. Now, she will return to the area where she grew up playing the sport she loves, as she recently accepted the head softball coaching position at Central Heights High School.
“It’s a combination of a couple things,” McMichael said. “I was wanting to get back closer to home. I also like smaller schools, the camaraderie with the athletes, staff and the family feel.”
McMichael was the head coach at Wylie East High School last season. Wylie East was in its first year as a softball program and played a junior varsity schedule. Her previous two years were spent as the head coach at Wills Point High School.
She has also worked as an assistant coach and hitting instructor at Stephen F. Austin, the University of Virginia and Trinity University.
“I’ve played with some of the best players and been coached by some of the best coaches in the country,” McMichael said. “I feel like I am able to connect with athletes, no matter their athletic ability. I feel like understanding how to reach certain players has made me a better coach.”
The Central Heights Lady Devils are coming off a campaign where they just missed out on the Class 2A playoffs. McMichael knows there is some talent in place and is ready for the opportunity.
“I feel like the first year is going to be a process of the players getting to know me and vice versa,” she said. “ I am looking forward to working with them and going back to the basics of hard work, respect for the game and knowledge of the game. We have to be on the same page and do the little things, and together we will come to the end result of winning games and eventually winning state championships.
“I really stress a family-type atmosphere. We will do a lot of activities to bring the team together. I want the girls to get along on and off the field. I also think it is important to know the little aspects of the game and understand the rules. I hope to bring that in along with hard work and structure to the program.”
McMichael is the daughter of Clarence and Beverly McMichael. Clarence led NHS to the state tournament twice as head softball coach at NHS. McMichael said her father’s coaching has played a part in her career.
“I feel like my dad was one of the best coaches I’ve had,” she said. “He brought structure to the team, as well as to me as an individual. Being around him, as a player and a daughter, I learned hard work and motivation. He always taught me that if you continue to work hard at the little things, everything will work out in the end.”
McMichael now has a chance to be back around her family more with her return to East Texas.
“I really like being back in Texas,” she said. “I missed the pine trees and the small-town feel. It’s more relaxed here, and I like having the support of my family. I missed that being away. It’s good to be back home.”
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