When Kaelin Stevens was hired as the Forsyth Central softball head coach five years ago, she inherited a program that she felt lacked the proper mental approach to be consistently competitive.

“It was kind of this, ‘We aren’t good enough to compete in Forsyth County’ attitude,” Stevens said.

Central announced Tuesday that Stevens is stepping down as head coach, but she can say she helped transform the program’s confidence and competitiveness.

The Bulldogs went 63-58 in Stevens’ five seasons. She was named the Region 5-7A co-coach of the year in 2016 and led Central to the state playoffs this past season for the first time since 2012.

“We wanted to create a winning program and a program that expected to win every time they stepped on the field,” Stevens said. “I think we really have turned that around in the last couple of years.”

Stevens won’t be leaving the county, though. She’ll be working with the Forsyth Virtual Academy to create a curriculum for personal fitness and health, a brand-new venture that will start in June.

Stevens will, however, miss being with Bulldogs softball next season.

“It breaks my heart not to be able to coach them next year and the years following,” Stevens said. “I have such great girls. This is such a great (Central) administration to work for. They’ve helped me to grow.”

“Kaelin is the model teacher/coach and will be missed,” Central principal Mitch Young said in a press release. “We are glad she will be staying in the county.”