Long Time GPS Coach Susan Crownover “Leaving With Such a Big Legacy”
Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) Three decades, eight state titles and a cancer battle later — GPS softball coach Susan Crownover is hanging up her blue and black for retirement. News 12’s Angela Moryan has the story of her impact — as Crownover prepares for her final Spring Fling.
Said senior catcher Ansley Blevins: “GPS softball is Coach Crownover. Like, this school is Coach Crownover.”
From the classroom to the court, from the field to the Hall of Fame — Susan Crownover’s 30 illustrious years with the Girls Prepartory School has come to a close.
Said Crownover: “You kind of know it, because I kind of knew it three years ago. It’s time. It’s time for somebody else to take it and run with it.”
Said Blevins: “I’m glad that I’m getting to go out with her. She’s been my ride or die since the sixth grade. We’ve been together this whole time. It’s really bittersweet. … There’s always something missing when Coach Crownover’s not around, and she just completes our team.”
Crownover wasn’t around as much last season as she fought — and beat — cancer.
Said Crownover: “It’s very emotional period when you’re not well, and then to feel like you’re letting down your girls a little bit, it was hard for me. But they were all just very supportive and understanding.”
Said Blevins: “She doesn’t take no for an answer, and we know she doesn’t take no for an answer, so we knew she was going to push through. It was really tough seeing her in that situation, but she was always up there watching us every single game, stopping by some practices. Even though she wasn’t here on the field with us, we knew she was here with us in spirit.”
Now she’s back in person… ready to lead the Bruisers to what could be their ninth state title.
Said Crownover: “I’m so happy to be a part of it. When you lose it like I did last year, you’re not sure. There’s a lot of things that affect you. You count your blessings.”
Said
Blevins: “The players want to win for her just as much as we want to win for us because we have so much respect for her and love for her, and I think that’s why we’ve been to state so many times, because of her. She’s right behind us, leading us. … Every single person here no matter the sport, grade, age, everyone loves Coach Crownover, and she’s leaving such a big legacy.”
