Hailey Landry knew it was time to step away.
After four successful seasons at the helm of the Kinder High softball program, Landry made the difficult decision to step down from her position.
“I’ve been involved in some kind of softball for as long as I can remember,” Landry said. “It has been one of the few things that has remained a constant throughout all the different stages of my life, so without a doubt it was one of the hardest decisions to make.”
Landry added, “But I know that it is time to step away so I can put more focus into my family and furthering my education.”
Landry is leaving Kinder to take a job teaching high school science at Iowa High School. Kinder Athletic Director Justin Reed has said that former Kinder High assistant Grady Fontenot has been hired to replace Landry as head softball coach.
“I sat them down and had a conversation with them,” said Landry, who attended South Cameron High School. “It was very emotional, especially for me. I love those girls so much, so it was very hard to break that news to them. But they are fighters and competitors. Those girls and team were great before me, and they will continue to be great.”
In four seasons at the helm, Landry led the Yellow Jackets’ consistent success.
Kinder posted a regular season record of 79-28, a playoff record of 5-3, earned three playoff berths, advanced to the Class 2A quarterfinals twice and reached the state semifinals in 2022.
The 2020 season was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Even though her teaching career will no longer take place inside the halls of Kinder High, Landry is still so grateful for the opportunity to have coached the Yellow Jacket softball program.
“I want to thank the entire Kinder community, school administration, staff members, fellow coaches, students and all of my players,” Landry said. “My time at Kinder High School was truly a dream come true and I will forever be thankful for the relationships, the lessons learned, the successes and shortcomings. I have enjoyed my time as a Yellow Jacket immensely and I will certainly miss it.”
