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Columbia Academy keeps softball in the family: Ford succeeds Anderson in top spot




Danny Ford (left), a longtime softball assistant at Columbia Academy, will assume head coaching duties with the Lady Bulldogs following the recent resignation of Seth Anderson (right), Ford’s son-in-law. Anderson enters his second season as CA’s football coach. RIC BEU / MAIN STREET MAURY

Softball at Columbia Academy has been a bit of a family affair of late, with Seth Anderson leading a coaching staff that has included his wife and his father-in-law.

But when Seth recently announced his departure after six seasons, to focus on his duties as football coach, and Emily – herself a former Lady Bulldog – chose to step away as well, Danny Ford wasn’t quite set to do so.

With that, Ford has been named to succeed Anderson as CA regroups from its first state championship game loss in four tries over five years.

“I really wasn’t ready to step down,” said the 60-year-old Ford, who has been a part of the Lady Bulldogs’ 2019 Class A state title run as well as back-to-back Division II-A state crowns in 2021 and ‘22 and this year’s DII-A runner-up finish. “We’ve built a good culture there, between me, Seth and Emily. I just look forward to continuing it.”

After serving as an assistant to both Emily Ford Anderson (left) and Seth Anderson (second from left), Danny Ford has been named softball coach at Columbia Academy. RIC BEU / MAIN STREET MAURY

With nearly as many eighth-graders (two) as seniors (three) starting on this spring’s 31-9 squad, Columbia Academy would appear well positioned to continue playing for the top of the DII-A Middle Region and for statewide honors.

“To keep the continuity we had with Seth, I think it’s pivotal for these girls,” CA athletics director Pernell Knox said. “(Ford has) been a part of the high school program for nine years, and before that, he helped coach middle school for four years. To have that familiarity with Columbia Academy, the softball program and these girls, I think it’ll be a smooth transition.

“We looked at some other people, but I think he’s going to be the best choice.”

Ford said he doesn’t anticipate any significant changes in his approach as he ascends to the top spot in the program.

“We’ve got a lot of returning talent, a lot of young talent,” he said. “We still have the same goal. They know what we’re shooting for, how much work it’s going to take. I think we’re in good shape. We’re good to go.”

Named to succeed Seth Anderson as softball coach at Columbia Academy, Danny Ford takes over a Lady Bulldog program that recently came up just short of a fourth consecutive state championship but returns six starters, including rising freshman Emmy McAdams (21). RIC BEU / MAIN STREET MAURY