BREMEN, Ala. – It’s been a special season for first-year head coach Paige Adams, who took over at Cold Springs after legendary head coach Tammy West stepped down to take the head coaching job at Cullman. She’s led the Cold Springs Lady Eagles to an area championship, a Sub-Regional win at home, and a pair of big wins over Decatur Heritage and Belgreen in the NW Regionals to clinch a spot in the Final Four in Birmingham.
“Taking over for someone as special as coach West was of course both exciting and intimidating, but I have been around her and the whole program my whole life, so the adjustment of stepping into that role just seemed natural. I just feel really blessed to have been given the opportunity to lead these girls and getting to the Final Four this first year is something I will forever be grateful.” Adams said.
The team has definitely grown a lot through this journey in her first year as head coach, and she has enjoyed coaching them.
“It’s definitely been a journey of growth, but the girls have really adjusted to me stepping into that head role and trusting them with the different styles of play than what they’re used to. They have just been so fun to coach and always chooses to rise to the challenge of anything thrown their way. They’re just a relentless group of girls. They know people have doubted them at times, and they have just pushed harder and harder and have refused to lose. I’m just so proud of them.” Adams said.
She’s made trips to the State Tournament as a player and assistant coach under coach West, and Adams is so thankful to have this opportunity in front of her in her first season as head coach, especially seeing her team play in front of an amazing Cold Springs community. She has leaned on four seniors and a few juniors when it comes to leadership roles, and they’ve impressed coach Adams on and off the court.
“I’ve always dreamed of getting this opportunity as a head coach. It’s such a surreal feeling. I don’t think it’s hit me yet, but I’m so blessed and thankful for the opportunity,” she said. “Cold Springs has always been home to me, and there’s truly no place like it. I have felt their community support and their love for my entire life being from there. They’ve been really great. I’ve been so impressed with their leadership and poise on and off the court, and they are a huge reason for our success this season.”
God has played a huge role in their run to Birmingham, and coach Adams has her team more than ready for next Monday’s game against Lanett.
“God has definitely been the center of our team, and we just always try to remember the platform that He’s given us: to ultimately glorify Him, even when we’re playing basketball,” she said. “Lanett’s very athletic, and they play great defense. We are preparing the best we can and of course staying true to what we do. We’ve just got to be the more physical team on Monday and play absolutely relentless from start to finish.”
Cold Springs (22-10) will take a six-game winning streak into their Final Four matchup against Lanett (17-9) on Monday afternoon at 3 p.m.
