Shockley stepped down, citing health concerns, after leading the girls to the state semifinal in the spring, including a Region 3C championship. She has been a mentor for Megan.
“I am extremely hopeful that with the experience I have gained within the last few years, and the wisdom I have gained from Cheryl Shockley, I can hit the ground running this softball season,” said DeHart. “It most definitely helps already knowing the majority of the girls and feeling as though we can pick up right where we left off last season.”
Megan graduated from LB in 2014 and played for Shockley all four years on the varsity. DeHart played second base her freshman and junior years, right field during her sophomore season and third base as a senior, so she has experience all around the diamond. She received the “Scarlet and Silver” team award as a senior as well as All-Conference honors.
“I have learned too many lessons to count from Coach Shockley and her assistants throughout the years,” she said. “I would not be the woman, former player or coach without her. I hope to take the legacy she created in our program and build on it, making it my own.”
DeHart graduated from Radford University in 2018 and then proceeded to earn a master’s degree in 2020. She was the president of the club softball team at Radford University, playing on the team all four years.
“I was essentially our coach for the Radford club softball team for several years,” she said. “I have also helped coach in both travel and recreational leagues in the past.”
Megan has been an assistant at Lord Botetourt for the past three seasons. Upsetting Cave Spring for the regional championship was the highlight of her time as assistant coach.
“I could not be more thrilled for this upcoming spring season,” she said. “We left such an incredible mark on the program by winning the region championship last year. I know the girls are ready and excited to get back at it, in hopes of going even further.”
Shockley continues to teach at Lord Botetourt and is pleased with the choice of DeHart to succeed her as softball coach.
“She is a young lady who is on top of things and I couldn’t be more happy or proud of her being the next head coach for Lord Botetourt softball,” said Shockley. “The program is in very good hands and these young ladies are going to be very lucky to have her.”
