Hanging it Up

After 21 years of coaching and being the driving force of the Lady Panther’s Softball program, Mark Paxton is hanging it up.

Paxton came to Licking Valley in 2007 after coaching at Sheridan from 1996 to 2006. Throughout the years, he reached 357 career wins, 7 District titles, 11 District Final titles, 1 Regional Runner Up, 2 Regional titles, 5 District Coach of the Year awards, 25 all Ohio players, Central District Hall of Fame, and 1 State title. The amount of success that came along with Paxton and his coaching was inevitable, and he has forever left his mark on the Licking Valley Softball Program.

Mark Paxton had such a positive influence on his players. No matter what hand he was dealt with, he would find a way to make the best of it. Sophomore Jordyn Edwards stated, “Coach always stuck with me, even when I wasn’t coachable. For that I'm thankful, it’s made me into a better player.”

Many people would say the same thing; he had a great influence on a lot of lives. Lexie Stevens-Stough said, “He made us a family, he loved us like we were his own.”

Paxton was always giving motivational speeches, after a win, after a loss, the team was still his pride and joy. Players remember him saying funny things like, “When life gives you s**t, turn it into chicken salad.” His positivity rubbed off on that team, and you could tell.

We wish you greatest luck in your future, and we couldn’t be more thankful for all you have done.

Always remember: it’s the little things.