The search for the next softball coach at Landrum ended not far down the road.

Landrum has hired Casey Workman Smith to take over the post that was vacated by Tucker Hamrick, who left to become an assistant principal at Chapman High School.

“I was greatly relieved after meeting with coach Smith that we had an answer right here in the district,” Landrum Athletic Director John Cann said. “I’m excited. I think we’re getting a top quality individual with a great softball background.”

Smith was an All-State pitcher at Chapman for four years and an All-Region pitcher for five years. After high school, she spent four seasons as a pitcher for North Greenville College.

She graduated in 2003 and began working in District Seven before landing back home in District One four years ago.
Smith is a seventh-grade science teacher at Mabry.

For Smith, the Landrum softball job couldn’t have come at a better time.

“It was perfect timing,” Smith said. “I’ve wanted to get back into coaching.”

Smith stopped coaching six years ago before the birth of her first child. She has two kids, ages 5 and 4, and is ready to get back on the field. Landrum was the perfect opportunity.

“It’s Landrum,” she said. “They’re always good at just about everything.”

That played into the good timing of the availability of the job. Smith said she wanted to coach again, but she wanted to stay put.

“I wasn’t even looking at leaving the district,” she said. “I wouldn’t leave the district to chase a job.”

Smith and the Cardinals will return plenty of talent next season. Landrum lost key components in pitcher Jordan Farmer, catcher Bre Cuff and centerfielder Skyler Henderson. That’s all they lost, however.
“I think we’ll be fine,” she said.