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Cougars' Bayly takes over team

After a summer of searching for a new softball coach, it turned out that Countryside did not have to look far after all.

Kaylyn Bayly, the Cougars' volleyball coach, will take over the defending state champions and become just their second coach.

Bayly, 34, played softball at Lakewood, graduated in 1986 and played four years at Lenoir-Rhyne College in Hickory, N.C. She is in her 11th year of coaching volleyball in the county, the last four at Countryside.

While Bayly said her most recent softball coaching experience was six years ago with a St. Petersburg travel team, she said she has stayed close to the game and looked forward to getting involved again.

"I don't have any reservations," said Countryside principal Julie Janssen, who hired Bayly for the job and taught her at Lakewood. "As with most of our coaches, the knowledge of the sport comes through years and years of doing it. The piece that most impressed me is how she cares about her program."

Bayly briefly coached Lakewood's softball team in 1993, but had to step down due to scheduling conflicts with teaching. She took two Lakewood volleyball teams to the state tournament and led Countryside to the 2000 final four in her second season.

Bayly coached Countryside's flag football team last spring to a Pinellas County Athletic Conference title. This year, flag football is a recognized state series sport with playoffs, and Bayly said leaving that post was difficult.

Scott Kitchen retired in May after 23 years as Countryside's only softball coach. His last team went 33-1, claimed the Class 5A title and was named No. 1 in the nation in two polls.

"There's definitely high expectations," Bayly said. "I realize everybody expects a whole lot out of this program. Hopefully, I can make the transition smooth for them."

Bayly will earn $38,228 this year in teaching salary and coaching supplements.

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