The Mercedes Lady Tigers have found their new head softball coach in San Benito’s Kristy Leal. The Tigers made it official Thursday afternoon.
“I’m excited for the opportunity to build off of what coach (Betty) Morrell and her prior teams have established,” said Leal on Friday. “The community in Mercedes loves softball and loves their Lady Tigers, so I intended to give my absolute all for the program.”
Leal will be replacing longtime softball coach Betty Morrell, who retired at the end of the season.
Leal spent the last two seasons as the head coach at San Benito and amassed a 53-10 overall record along with a 25-3 district record. She also led the Lady Hounds to a district and bi-district title.
Prior to San Benito, Leal served as an assistant coach for one year at Donna High School and two years at Weslaco High.
“We’re excited to have Coach Leal,” said Mercedes ISD Athletic Director Roger Adame Jr. “Our softball program is one of the premiere programs in the Valley and in the region. She (Leal) brings plenty of experience from the college and high school level. Her track record is awesome, along with her knowledge and passion she brings to the game.”
