A Hornet Comes Home: Lindsey Jones Takes the Mound as New Varsity Softball Coach

Mayo, FL – A familiar face is returning to the dugout at Lafayette High School. The Hornets have officially named Lindsey Jones as the new Varsity Softball Head Coach, bringing a decorated alum and seasoned mentor back to the program where her love for the game first began. For the Mayo community, this isn't just a new hire; it represents a full-circle moment for a former standout player who knows exactly what it takes to win in Lafayette County.

My journey as both a player and coach has been shaped by the communities, mentors, and athletes I’ve worked with, and my focus has always been on developing skilled, confident, and respectful young people who understand the value of teamwork, perseverance, and commitment. - Lindsey Jones

Home Run Hire? A Legend Returns Home

Lindsey is no stranger to the pressures and prestige of LHS softball. She is a Mayo native and a 2010 graduate of Lafayette High School. Her time as a player for the Hornets was nothing short of historic. In 2007, she served as the starting pitcher for the squad that reached the Final Four. She followed that up with a stellar senior season in 2010, again as the starting pitcher, helping lead the team to a state runner-up finish. During that standout year, she led the team in both home runs and batting average.

Her prowess on the field extended beyond high school athletics. Lindsey honed her skills playing travel softball for the Gainesville Gold 18U Gold team, where she noted she had the opportunity to learn from some of the best coaches in North Florida.

From the Circle to the Dugout

After her decorated high school career, Lindsey took her game to the collegiate level. She initially signed with Santa Fe College, but after her freshman year, she transferred to Chipola College. It was there, playing under Coach Belinda Hendrix, that Lindsey says she truly fell in love with the art of coaching.

Lindsey was part of a powerhouse Chipola program that secured both a state and a national championship. Following her time at Chipola, she transferred to Valdosta State University. Although injuries limited her playing time to a few appearances at VSU, the setbacks fueled a new fire: a desire to coach. She returned to Marianna to coach at the college level for two seasons while completing her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education.

Coaching the Panhandle and Returning to Roots

Lindsey brings a wealth of experience from across the Sunshine State. After graduating, she coached at various schools throughout the Florida Panhandle, including Graceville High School, Grand Ridge School, Vernon High School, and Blountstown High School. Her resume includes coaching softball, volleyball, and weightlifting, alongside offering private lessons to help athletes reach the collegiate level.

However, the pull of home was strong. According to Lindsey, she and her husband met during her time away and now share three children: Tristan, Brooks, and Blakely. Two years ago, the family decided that raising their children in Lafayette County was the best move.

I spent the first six months working at Branford High School, coaching under one of Florida’s greatest volleyball coaches, Mendy Sikes, helping lead the team to a state runner-up finish, before being hired as a Special Education Teacher at Lafayette High School. - Lindsey Jones

Eyes on the Prize

Now firmly back in Mayo, Lindsey has big plans for the Hornets.

Now, as a coach at Lafayette High School, my goal is to bring the program back to competing at the state level, while helping our student-athletes reach the next level if they desire. - Lindsey Jones

Beyond the scoreboard, Lindsey is focused on character. She wants to teach the girls that they can accomplish whatever they set their minds to, both on and off the field.

More importantly, I want to teach our girls that they can accomplish whatever they set their minds to, both on and off the field, by instilling confidence, discipline, and a love for the game. - Lindsey Jones

As the spring season approaches, the anticipation in Mayo is palpable. With a former state runner-up and national champion now calling the shots, the Lafayette High School softball program looks poised for a revitalization. The community is eager to see Lindsey back in her element, translating her years of experience and deep local pride into a winning culture for a new generation of Hornets.