After two seasons away from home as an assistant coach at Carson-Newman College, Lisa Rogers has come back to Northwest Georgia.

The former Ridgeland softball star will join Tony Ellis’ staff this fall as an assistant coach at perennial state powerhouse Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe.

Rogers, who started up the Covenant College softball program in 2006 after graduating from Carson-Newman, said she was at peace with her decision to leave her alma mater.

“I’m excited to be back in this area and close to home,” she explained. “I was very fortunate to coach where I’ve coached the last four years. It was tough to leave, but when I finished my Master’s degree in May, it really made me think about teaching and coaching.”

Rogers will teach special education at LFO and also assist Dewayne Watkins with the girls’ basketball program.

“It’s going to be very challenging, but I’m very thankful for the LFO administration and (new principal) Ms. (Terri) Vandiver. She’s been great and I’m looking forward to working for them.”

Rogers played on Ridgeland’s only region fastpitch championship team in 2001 and was an All-State Honorable Mention selection her senior year.

She signed with Division II power Carson-Newman and enjoyed a stellar career with the Lady Eagles, finishing as the school’s all-time homerun leader.

She won a pair of South Atlantic Conference regular season titles at C-N and one conference tournament championship. She was All-SAC first team and All-SAC Tournament First Team three times and collected SAC Player of the Year honors in her junior and senior seasons.

The former Lady Panther said one of her biggest immediate challenges would be getting used to wearing red.

“Eight years ago, I never ever thought I’d be wearing LFO red, and I don’t think I even own any red clothing at all,” she laughed. “But even though I played for Ridgeland, I’ve always respected LFO softball, and I’m looking forward to working with a good quality program.

“Most of all, I’m excited to get to teach softball. I did some teaching in college, but usually the players are already set in their ways. I’m looking forward to working the high school kids and helping to get them to the next level.”