Snead State Head Softball Coach Earns 300th Career Win

Snead State Community College Head Softball Coach Tracy Grindrod reached a major milestone in his coaching career with his 300th career victory following the Lady Parsons' 12-2 win over Coastal Alabama Community College-South on April 16.

The accomplishment was commemorated during Sunday's game against Gadsden State Community College. Snead State President Dr. Joe Whitmore presented Coach Grindrod with a hand painted softball with details of the milestone game. They were joined for the presentation by Athletic Director Casey Underwood.

Coach Grindrod, who has led the Lady Parsons since 2014, has built Snead State into one of the premier softball programs in the Alabama Community College Conference (ACCC). Under his leadership, the team has twice reached the NJCAA World Series, including a historic 2022 season in which the Lady Parsons became the first Snead State team to win a World Series game.

"Coach Grindrod has shaped a program that values excellence on and off the field," said Dr. Whitmore. "He is not only a tremendous coach, but a mentor and role model to his players. This milestone is a reflection of years of dedication and leadership."

Prior to joining Snead State, Coach Grindrod spent nine years as an assistant coach at Wallace State Community College in Hanceville, where he helped guide the Lady Lions to two national championships (2008, 2013), two national runner-up finishes (2009, 2010), a third-place finish (2012), and seven ACCC and Region XXII titles. He was recognized by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association as part of the NJCAA Division I Coaching Staff of the Year in 2013.

 "Coach Grindrod's legacy goes far beyond wins," said Coach Underwood. "He's built a culture where players succeed academically, athletically, and personally. We're proud to have him leading our program."

Grindrod's coaching career began in 1988 in slow-pitch softball and transitioned to fast-pitch in 1996. In addition to his collegiate success, he has coached competitive travel softball and continues to emphasize the development of student-athletes as scholars and leaders.

The Lady Parsons have consistently maintained team GPAs among the highest in the conference, with Coach Grindrod fostering a program centered on faith, character and service.

During the 2024-2025 season so far, the Lady Parsons have compiled a 26-29 overall record, with a 16-14 mark in conference play. Over the past four seasons, Snead State has remained competitive under Coach Grindrod's guidance, highlighted by a 37-27 record and 20-9 conference finish in the 2021-2022 season.