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In 14 years, Ralph Brooks Jr. went from Dallas County High School assistant softball coach to head coach.

This season, Brooks was named The Selma Times-Journal softball coach of the year. Brooks completed his second year as head coach, as the Lady Hornets made the Class 4A Regional Tournament.

“I’m pleased to get named coach of the year,” Brooks said. “My goal is to always make the kids better and to get the best out of them.”

Brooks praised the Lady Hornets for believing and listening to his message. Dallas County made the Class 4A regionals for three straight years.

“I was pleased with the team’s performance this year, they played hard,” Brooks said. “We play in a tough area with Prattville Christian Academy.”

Dallas County High School athletic director Maurice Carter said Brooks deserved to get named coach of the year.

“Coach Brooks is a hardworking coach, very dedicated to our softball program, and he’s a behind-the-scenes guy,” Carter said.