Newton County softball coach Justin Chaney led the Lady Cougars to their first 4A state title since 2015.

If you spend any amount of time around Newton County softball coach Justin Chaney, the first thing that’s apparent is the sincere appreciation and devotion he has for his players.

Throughout the season, the Lady Cougars reciprocated that respect with tough-nosed play on the diamond, and Chaney and Newton County were rewarded with a berth in the MHSAA Class 4A state championship series.

Newton County defeated Tishomingo County in two games at Mississippi State University’s Nusz Park to win the 2019 4A state title. After leading Newton County to a 29-7 overall record and a state championship, Chaney is the 2019 Premier Preps Softball Coach of the Year.

“Coming from this area, with the quality of teams and quality of coaches, it’s a very big honor,” Chaney said.

The Lady Cougars this season navigated an intentionally challenging schedule in route to the crown. Throughout the year, Newton County played state title winner Neshoba Central, and the Lady Cougars had had contests against Enterprise and Brandon, which played in state championship series. 

Battle-tested Newton County needed just two games to clinch the title.

Not long after the win, Chaney tweeted a photo of the newly acquired champion trophy with a caption that read, “She is coming back to Decatur.”

“I told the girls about a month ago that if we won it, I’d put a picture of that golden glove — she’s coming home,” Chaney said. “It was sitting there glowing. I enjoy bus rides because you can reflect, and it was a good time just to reflect on our journey together. It flew by so quickly, but it was a good feeling knowing you were coming home as state champs.”

Chaney recently concluded his 15th season as head coach and his 18th at Newton County. He’s accumulated eight state championships during that span. He acknowledged and recognized another teammate — his wife, Tabitha — for the role she’s played in his life.

“I couldn’t do what I do if I didn’t have the support at home from my wife,” Chaney said. “She has sacrificed, and she takes our kids everywhere they have to go. She supports me, and she knows I love doing it. This (award) is kind of for her because of all she does for our family.”

While Newton County enjoyed a number of successes on the diamond this year, Chaney said he received the most gratification in watching his team’s resiliency.

“The team, in my opinion, took on the personality I wanted — hey, nothing is ever over until it’s over,” Chaney said. “You can’t just teach them that. That has to happen over time. More than any win ever, just being able to look in there and say, ‘You know what, they’re taking on the personality of me.’ And that makes me happy.”

Chaney also credited his assistant coaches, Shelby Bishop, who played for him, and Jake Loper, for their roles this season.

“I put a picture on Twitter of my two assistants, Jake and Shelby,” Chaney said. “They care about it just as much as I do, and that means a lot.”

The joy of winning the state championship was magnified even more for Chaney, as it sent his four seniors — Brittany Thomas, Shelby Anderson, Landree Amis and Karlye Tolbird — out on top. He shared the following message with the senior quartet and the rest of this year’s Newton County Lady Cougars.

“It’s very simple, and we say this all the time and I’m not afraid to say it: I love them,” Chaney said. “It wouldn’t have mattered if we won or lost. I was still going to love them. I’m proud of them, and no one can ever, ever take that away from them this year.”