Softball Coaches
Coaches
Coach McKenna is entering his 10th season as the head softball coach for the Central Lions. Coach McKenna grew up in Upstate New York, and graduated from Carthage High School in 1998, where he was an all-state shortstop in baseball and all-state receiver in football. From there, he went on to receive a baseball scholarship to attend the University of North Carolina Wilmington. In addition, Coach McKenna played all 4 years at UNCW as a shortstop and had some time playing third base also. He received his bachelor degree in Health and Physical Education and a minor in psychology at the UNCW.
Prior to being named the head coach at Central, Coach McKenna served as the physical education teacher, head softball coach, and assistant varsity baseball coach for 9 years at Lamar County High School in Barnesville, Georgia. He was also the physical education teacher, head baseball coach, and an assistant football coach at Beaver River high school in upstate NY prior to Lamar County.
During his time with the Lions, Coach McKenna’s softball teams have played in 4 State Championship games, winning 2 of them. They won the State Championship in 2016 and 2021. Coach McKenna has led his teams to win 4 Region championships and several region runner ups. He also has two 2nd place, one 3rd place and two 4th place finishes in the state for softball.
Coach McKenna has been nominated as the Georgia Dugout Club and Georgia Athletic Coaches Association Coach of the Year 4 times as the Lions Softball Coach. He received the honors in 2013, 2016, 2021, 2022.
Coach McKenna is married to Lindsey, and they have two children: a son, Brady (11), and a daughter, Carley (6). When he is not coaching, he enjoys spending time with his family, hunting, fishing, camping and watching his kids participate in various activities.
My name is Harlie Wainright and I am from Blackshear, GA. I attended Brewton-Parker College, where I graduated in 2020 with a degree in Middle Grades Education. I am currently pursuing my master's degree at Valdosta State University. I am new to CHS this year, but I am so excited to be a part of the Central Lion family! In addition to teaching Algebra 1, I also teach Algebra 1 Support and offer in-school math tutoring for all fields of math. I am also an assistant coach for the Lady Lions Softball Team.