The Brownwood Lady Lions entered the 2023 softball season with an air of uncertainty around the program, as Cherita Munguia stepped into the role of interim coach just prior to the start of the season. On Wednesday afternoon, the direction of the program was solidified as the “interim” tag was removed and athletic director Sammy Burnett announced Munguia as the new head coach for Lady Lions softball.

Burnett said, “It doesn’t matter what level you’re at, a new environment, a new experience, a new level, you always have to face challenges, and how you face the challenges defines you as a person. During the season we had some things happen in our athletic program and we asked Coach Munguia to step in and be the interim softball this year and told her she’d had an opportunity to sell herself and what she’s all about to the program. So in this moment, if you’re willing, we’d like you to sign on the dotted line and offer you the head softball job.”

The Lady Lions have posted a 12-13-1 overall record this season, returning to the playoffs after a one-year absence, as they captured a bi-district championship over Levelland last week as the No. 3 seed out of District 6-4A.

Brownwood is back in action against Krum in the area round this weekend with Game 1 at 6 p.m. Friday and Games 2 and 3, if needed, at 1 p.m. Saturday – all in Glen Rose.

“When we didn’t make the playoffs last year it was hard on everybody,” said Munguia, an assistant on last season’s coaching staff. “The girls felt like they had let themselves down and had missed out on a legacy that had been created years before them. All of us that are part of the program want it to be successful. Making the playoffs was the first step this year, but to hold up a gold glove last week provided them proof that we can be successful again and we can build that legacy again. The girls are absolutely ecstatic and I look forward to them holding up another gold ball this weekend.”

The announcement took place near the conclusion of Wednesday’s signing ceremony for 10 Lions and Lady Lions who will continue their athletic careers in college – including Lady Lion senior centerfielder Mackenzie Welch.

(story courtesy Derrick Stuckly of Brownwoodnews.com)