Janet Tate has resigned as softball coach at Hixson High School, citing the need for more time to devote to a family medical matter. She will remain the school's volleyball coach.

Tate was in her second stint heading the softball program. Since her return for the 2003 season, Hixson twice hosted Class AA state sectionals by winning Region 3 championships. At least one Lady Wildcat signed a college scholarship each year in that time.

Hixson also was able to build a new field on campus during her second tenure. She credited many others for helping the program flourish again, among them Tommy Quarles. She noted that scorekeeper John Grant remained involved even after his daughter, Megan, graduated and said Hixson secretary Nina East was a big help because Tate teaches at Loftis Middle School.

"I've always told anybody that would listen that I have the best parents at Hixson High School, and the best kids," Tate said. "They help do the field. They help do it all. They're very interested in their daughters, and I appreciate them to death."

Tate guided the Lady Wildcats to Class AAA state championships in 1982 and '83 -- her first seasons as coach. She left the first time in 1986.

"I had never played fastpitch," Tate said. "I'd watched it a couple of times. We had some really good kids then, some knowledgeable kids. They had played before."

When Tate returned she coached alongside then athletic director Roger Vandergriff, who was seeking some stability in a program that had gone through three coaches the three previous years.