Trinity AD Lassiter to step down after school year

Jessica Lassiter announced on Friday that she would not return as Trinity athletic director, effective after the end of the school year. (File Photo)

By TIM GAYLE

Trinity officials announced on Friday afternoon that Wildcat athletic director Jessica Lassiter “has chosen not to return” after this school year.

The announcement was handled by head of school Bill Shelnutt, who has stepped down from his position as well.

The school is searching for a replacement for head football coach Granger Shook, who accepted a similar position last month at Pike Road High. In a normal setting, Lassiter and Shelnutt would be the two most influential people making the selection of Shook’s replacement. No explanation was made for the abrupt decision involving the athletic director and Lassiter was not at school on Friday.

The press release by school officials said Lassiter would continue to remain at the school through the summer as the athletic program transitions to a new football coach and athletic director.

“We are grateful to Jess for her many years of dedicated service and long hours on the courts and the athletic fields,” Shelnutt said. “She has accomplished a great many things at Trinity as a teacher, a coach and an administrator.”

Lassiter, the Wildcats’ volleyball coach, was named athletic director in early February, 2019, replacing Harold Hilliard in the position. She made the first of several successful hires in the athletic department, replacing herself with new volleyball coach Sarah Dubberley, who won state championships in 2020 and 2021 and reached the finals in 2022.

The Wildcats also won state titles in girls’ soccer in 2021 and 2022, in baseball in 2022 and in girls’ basketball last month.

In addition to Dubberley, she elevated Jarrod Cook to replace Hall of Fame baseball coach Ken Whittle, replaced Barry Loyal with Shook in the football program and named Stan Milton as the Wildcats’ softball coach.  

“Trinity has been my home away from home for 21 years,” Lassiter said in a statement released by the school. “A simple thank you doesn't suffice. I am grateful for the love, support and encouragement that has been shown to me and my family. We have created lifelong relationships along the way. Countless coaches have walked alongside me, mentored me and loved me during my career. I am forever indebted to them.”