Newly Hired Russell Softball Coach Finds the Place She Was Meant to Be
Gary Newman
The Ashland Beacon
Still months away from the first spring softball game, Destiny Goins is ready to make noise in a new head coaching position at Russell High School. While it may be a new location for Goins, the 63rd District and the 16th Region are already familiar territory. Goins played softball at Boyd County, went to Morehead State University, and has spent the last five years at Raceland as an assistant coach for three years and head coach for two years.
Goins shared, “When I first started coaching, I knew I would have the same passion for it as I did when I was a player. The passion for the game and the players just continues to grow each and every year. I’ve learned a few hard lessons, but personally, I could not be in a better spot to come into my full coaching potential.”
The choice to leave one school for another was not an easy one for Goins. “It never seems like the right time to make a change, but things lined up for me personally, and other opportunities were given when I applied for this job. I was able to advance myself career-wise and have the opportunity to lead an awesome program, and it was just something I could not turn down.” Destiny recalled, adding “It was an overwhelming feeling leaving behind a program full of girls that I care about, but I was also happy and excited to get to start my next chapter at Russell.”
During the offseason, Goins began settling into the role of technology instructor at Russell Middle School and becoming Russell’s head coach. She went from being a spectator watching Russell and an opponent competing against Russell to now pouring all her knowledge into being a part of Russell. “I am excited to get to know them as their coach and dive into their potential. I look forward to figuring out each and every one of them and coaching them in a way that they will best receive it,” said Goins.
Goins will be heading into her debut Red Devil season with some notable senior players, Audry Patel and Lili Smith, who have committed to playing at the next level. Additionally, she senses that the players are excited to get to work. Goins explained, “They want to do great things and leave their mark. We won’t look toward one specific group of people for leadership but instead will all work together to lead each other toward the development of a strong team culture, which will hopefully spark success on and off the field.”
Destiny credits her family as the structure that has supported every season of her life, noting the contributions of her father Rusty, who is in her words, “the most level-headed and has helped guide me through all of my difficult decisions. He has instilled it in me to always be pushing toward bigger and better things.” She continued, “My sister, my mom and my brother-in-law have always been behind me 100%.” She credits them all with support to make the best decision for growth as a coach, in her career, and as a person.
Goins concluded, “Everyone has welcomed me with open arms and have shown me their utmost support. I look forward to my future at Russell. I am extremely happy to be where I am. Again, with the support I have received in such a small amount of time, I cannot wait to continue to develop stronger relationships with the Russell community. I feel like my life has changed 100% for the better by accepting this position. This is where I am meant to be!”
There’s a word for arriving at the place you’re meant to be— It’s Destiny.
