Sheila Runnels, a graduate of Mississippi State University, with a degree in Sport Pedagogy, has been in the Parks & Recreation industry, as a professional, since 2010. Sheila got her start in the administrative side of parks and recreation as a volunteer for a local youth basketball association in Starkville, MS as a high school junior (2002). Upon graduation from MSU, Sheila worked for the National Fastpitch Coaches Association as the Marketing Intern, where she was in charge of promoting summer camp programs, recruiting camps, and distribution of recruiting tools. After her time with the NFCA, Sheila joined the staff at Starkville Parks and Recreation for 3 years, then in 2013 joined the team at Clinton Parks and Recreation Department, where she was the Sport Coordinator for both cities. During her time in Clinton, she served as the NJCAA Division II Softball National Championship tournament director, as well as directing several other local, state, regional, and national softball tournaments. Sheila also serves Mississippi Recreation and Park Association in a variety of ways, as a Board Member, former District 2 Representative, former Member-At-Large representative, the FY2018 President-Elect, and currently (FY2019) as the President. Lastly, she has been a part of the leadership team for the National Recreation and Park Association’s Young Professional Network as the Professional Development chairperson (2017) and the Social Media chairperson (2016). Among the many professional accolades that Sheila holds, her greatest passion is teaching the game of softball. As a player, at Starkville High School and later at Itawamba Community College, she embraced the importance of being a utility player, and made every effort to achieve excellence in every position. Primarily a battery position player (catcher, then pitcher), she loves working with young athletes that are eager to learn the battery positions. Her coaching experience ranges from recreational leagues all the way to Division II NCAA. She started her coaching career while still in college, as a high school assistant coach in Starkville for 3 years. Later, while in Clinton, she served the Lady Choctaws of Mississippi College as a volunteer coach, working primarily with catchers. She has helped many recreational programs succeed to the next level, as a recreational All-Star coach, and as a competitive (travel ball) assistant coach. She also still enjoys playing, when she has the opportunity. We are certainly very thrilled to have her as the leader of our team as the softball Sports Director for the Tupelo Parks and Recreation Department.

Davey Cole started with the softball program in 1990 as an umpire with NEMUA (Northeast Mississippi Umpire Association), this allowed him to be a part of softball from both sides (player and umpire). 

He's been a part of TSA since 1998, at-the-time softball director Neal McCoy asked him to join since he was coaching his oldest daughter. He started as the Youth Recreational Representative. He continued to umpire when his daughter wasn’t playing. Then after about 3 years, he took over as Vice President. One of my most memorable things was helping to design the JT Neely Center with Mr JT in his honor . 

In 2007, he took over as the President of TSA. In 2010, he also became the President of NEMUA. 

Davey has either been an umpire or the ump coordinator for 11 ASA National Tournaments through the years, he's made tons of friends and still to this day, he’ll run into one of the young ladies that he coached, and they’ll tell him about how they remember him when they played ball and how much they appreciated it, that reminds him of why he continues to be a volunteer. 

Most days now, you’ll find Davey teaching young men and women umpiring or helping his daughter coach a team. Davey hopes to see y’all at the fields!

David Webb

Rhonda Cole has been a member of TSA since 2002. She joined the board when Mr. JT Neely asked her to.  Rhonda was already helping wherever she was needed.  She has helped with registration during state and National tournaments.  It’s been her responsibility to keep the kitchen open for coaches, umps and staff during those events. Rhonda believes every little girl deserves the opportunity to be all they can be, on and off the ball field. 

Amanda Webb

Brandon Martin

Grant Collins has been involved with Tupelo Softball for many years. He has served as a Head Coach, Assistant Coach, and Parent/Cheerleader.  Grant's softball experience extends beyond coaching.  He has several years of experience as a slowpitch softball umpire, as well as competitive and recreational adult softball playing experience.

Deangelo Westbrook