Although he will remain employed by the school system in a new position this fall, longtime educator Danny Bond has announced his retirement as the DCHS Tigerette Softball Coach, a position he has held for 31 years since the program began in 1985. His successor has not yet been named.
DCHS Principal Kathy Bryant announced Tuesday that Bond will succeed Marshall Ferrell as the Alternative Learning Center Director. Ferrell recently retired from the position.
In the letter announcing his retirement as coach to Director of Schools Patrick Cripps, Principal Bryant, and to members of the School Board, Bond expressed his appreciation for the support shown him and pledged his continued support to the program. “I have given my heart, mind, and soul to the student athletes and softball program. My blood runs black and gold as deep as anyone. I will continue to be a strong supporter of the Tigerette Softball program, its athletes, and the school system. My loyalty and dedication to DeKalb County High School will remain relentless. I retire from this position with no ill feelings toward anyone. I hope to receive your support and respect in this decision,” wrote Coach Bond.
Bond has been an educator for more than 35 years having taught Physical Education, Health, Lifetime Wellness, and Personal Fitness. His career began as a P.E. teacher at DeKalb West School in 1980. He started the school’s first P.E. program and also served as an assistant coach to DCHS Tiger Basketball Coach Harold Luna until 1984. In 1985 Bond left DeKalb West School for the high school where he became P.E. teacher developing what he described as a “quality” physical education program for the school. He also took over from Mike Braswell as head coach of the Tiger basketball program that year and later became coach of the Tigerette fast pitch softball team in its inaugural season. Bond resigned as boys basketball coach in 2002 having recorded an overall win-loss record of 256-220 in 17 seasons. He stayed on as girls softball coach.
In his 31 seasons as softball coach, Bond compiled an overall win-loss record of 680-258-1 (.725). His District win-loss record was 293-56 (.840)
Other Achievements:
*17 Regular Season District Titles
*15 District Tournament Titles
*24 Region Tournament Appearances
*6 Region Tournament Titles
*12 Sub-State Appearances
*8 Sub-State Titles
*8 State Tournament Appearances
*1 State Final Four Appearance
*11 District Coach of the Year Honors
*1 Mid-State Coach of the Year Honor
*1 T.A.C.A. Coach of the Year Honor
*District 8-AA Softball Hall of Fame (2006)
*DCHS Softball Field Named in Honor (2014)
“I want to give my appreciation to the past and present Directors of Schools, School Board members, Administrations, and fellow Coaches that have given me the opportunity to coach softball. I offer my deepest gratitude to the personnel, the many players, and their families for allowing me to be a part of their lives. I sincerely thank my family and friends for their support and encouragement over the years. I leave the softball program with a solid foundation and a bright, promising future,” wrote Coach Bond.
Archived News & Obituaries