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RESERVE—Madison Watson just can’t seem to get away from Riverside Academy. She attended the school from fourth through 12th grades, from 2009-2017, and was a standout player on the Lady Rebels softball team. Now she is back as a third grade teacher and assistant coach for the softball team.

“I can honestly say that having the opportunity to work alongside the individuals who shaped me into the person I am today is a great feeling,” Watson said.

During her sophomore year, her coach that had been there for years decided to leave and that was when Tamara Regalo and Tori Sheppard Lachney stepped in. Watson said the change was good for her.

“It’s always a little scary when you’re used to something and then it changes, but this change was great,” she said.

Watson was a four-time All-District and a three-time All-Metro selection. She had stellar senior season during which she hit .480 with eight home runs, 42 RBIs, 17 doubles and 37 runs scored and signed with Southeastern Louisiana University as an infielder. She was a regular starter she was hampered by an arm injury.

According to Watson,  the whole time she was at Riverside, the faculty and students were her family. Now are they are again.

“I am thankful for the opportunity to be able to learn and grow as an educator and coach in a place that I hold near and dear to my heart,” Watson.

The Lady Rebels get their 2023 season started Feb. 15 at Northshore then travel to Zachary on Friday.

Jessie Weiler, a Riverside Academy junior, is a second year journalism student.