Shelton State Community College Welcomes New Coaches

July 15, 2022 – Shelton State Community College Athletics welcomes two new coaches to its roster of exceptional leaders.  Leading the College’s Softball team into the 2022-23 season will be Kaitlin Griffin.  Joining Shelton State to establish its new Cross County program is Barry Colburn. A face already familiar to the College but serving in a new capacity is Chris Sanford at the helm of the golf team.

Kaitlin Griffin arrives to Shelton State with a long history of success.  Most recently an assistant softball coach at Birmingham Southern College, she previously served as head softball coach at Oak Mountain High School and Mountain Brook High School.  In her previous positions, Griffin helped lead her programs to multiple championships and regional appearances.  A graduate and former softball player at California State University, Fresno, Griffin has high expectations for her future players.

“I plan to use my knowledge and experience to provide opportunities for Shelton State softball players,” said Griffin. “In addition to the primary skills of the game, the players will be encouraged in the areas of discipline, hard work, and enthusiasm.  We are going to do terrific things this season!”

Joining Griffin at Shelton State is Barry Colburn as head of the College’s new Cross Country program. Colburn arrives at Shelton State with more than forty years of experience.  Previously part of programs at Texas A&M University, the University of Richmond, the University of Alabama, and Troy State University, Colburn is anxious to get the newest Buccaneers started.

“I pride myself on being a successful recruiter and look forward to securing talent for what will be a robust program,” stated Colburn.

After a 21-year absence, golf will return this fall to Shelton State.  This time, however, it will be a men’s AND women’s sport. Former assistant women’s basketball coach Chris Sanford has been selected to oversee this new beginning. A native of Glencoe, Alabama, this will be Coach Chris’ twenty-second season with Shelton State Athletics.

“I am very grateful and appreciative for the opportunity that Shelton State has given me to coach another sport that I truly love,” said Sanford.  “The goals for our program include building a solid foundation, competing for conference championships, making the national tournament, and hopefully adding to the championship tradition at SSCC.”

“This is a genuinely exciting time for Shelton State athletics,” said Athletic Director Cara Crosslin. “The growth we are experiencing in programs and in leadership is directly related to the work of our current coaches and the support we have from our administration.  It is truly a great time to be a Buccaneer.”

Shelton State athletics now boasts men’s and women’s basketball, baseball, softball, cross country, golf, and competitive cheer.  Club sports include fishing and esports. For more information and up to date schedules, visit sheltonstate.edu/athletics.