Todd Montgomery named head softball coach at East Jessamine

Published 10:59 am Friday, August 1, 2025

By Christopher Brown

Contributing Writer

East Jessamine High School has named Todd Montgomery as its new head softball coach, bringing in a veteran leader with 17 years of experience in Kentucky’s 12th Region.

Montgomery, who has coached several successful teams across Central Kentucky, said he has long admired the East Jessamine program from afar.

“I’ve had connections with East Jessamine softball for just about as long as I’ve been coaching,” Montgomery said. “We always seemed to meet them in the regional tournament, and I’ve coached several East players during travel ball seasons. I’ve seen firsthand the talent and passion this program has.”

Montgomery said the opportunity to join East Jessamine was one he always hoped for.

“As an outsider looking in, I always thought this would be a great program to lead if the opportunity ever came,” he said. “Now that it has, I’m honored and ready.”

With nearly two decades of coaching experience in one of the most competitive regions in the state, Montgomery said he plans to bring a consistent, fundamentals-first approach to the Jaguars’ program.

“The 12th Region is tough from start to finish,” he said. “It takes consistency, preparation and strong fundamentals — especially when the pressure ramps up in tournament time.”

Montgomery said his vision is to develop a team that competes hard every game, builds character and strives for excellence on and off the field.

“We’ll set our sights on district and regional championships like every team does,” he said. “But more importantly, we’ll become a team that plays hard, plays smart and plays for each other. Success comes from the work you put in every day.”

Montgomery described his coaching philosophy as rooted in effort, accountability and relationships.

“Fundamentals are the backbone,” he said. “You’ve got to defend well and hit the ball with authority. We’ll coach hard and expect players to practice and play with intensity.”

One of his favorite team mottos: “You’re going to laugh, sweat, bleed and cry — sometimes all at once.”

“I hate losing more than I love winning,” he said, “but you learn more in failure than you do in victory. Our players will grow from every experience.”

Montgomery and his wife, Kelly, a retired school counselor with 31 years of service, have two adult children: Garrison, 28, and Elle Montgomery Yaden, 26.

Montgomery said the program’s culture will reflect the value he places on family and community.

“Without strong family support, no team can be successful,” he said. “Our players will spend as much time with this team as they do with their own families, so we have to build a culture where we support and uplift one another. That family atmosphere will carry us forward.”

Montgomery said he’s optimistic about the team’s potential this season, especially with much of the core returning — including key hitters and pitchers. But he emphasized that the team must improve defensively and embrace a stronger mentality.

“There’s a lot of experience coming back, which is a huge strength,” he said. “But we gave up 73 unearned runs last season. Talent wins games, but teams win championships.”

Montgomery said he plans to connect with players, parents and the community in the weeks ahead as preparations begin for the upcoming season.

“Our goal is to be a program that people are proud to support — one that’s exciting to watch, relentless in effort and grounded in values that extend far beyond the game,” he said.