Lubbock-Cooper softball chasing district title in 1st year under Rhodes
Although the head coach is different, the Pirates find themselves in a familiar spot: in the hunt for a district championship late in the season.
WOODROW — Brenon Rhodes doesn't feel like much has changed since last season — other than his title. After four years as an assistant, Rhodes took the head seat for Lubbock-Cooper softball when Sherri Culwell retired following the 2025 campaign. "Just the day-to-day decisions," Rhodes said.
"Other than that, nothing has changed for me, really. I've been a part of the program; this is my fifth year now. I've had a good relationship with the girls and built a good rapport with them.
They trust me, and I trust them. " Perhaps the role feels so familiar because the Pirates are in the same spot as a year ago: battling near the top of District 3-5A. Cooper remained 1½ games behind first-place Amarillo High with a 17-3 five-inning rout of Lubbock High on Tuesday at First United Park.
The Pirates (15-10, 11-2) launched four home runs, two by Lainey Gibson, as part of 18 hits to push their winning streak to five. The heart of the order — Gibson, Tatum Southard and McKanna Garcia — each accounted for a long ball, showcasing Cooper's potency when it's firing on all cylinders. "It's pretty dangerous," Rhodes said.