West Stokes Lady Wildcats Softball  

West Stokes hires Kaytee Ward as New Softball Coach

KING — West Stokes High School announced Monday the hiring of Kaytee Ward as its new head softball coach, replacing Jordan Stevens, who has accepted a position with

Ward comes to the Wildcats after a successful tenure at Walkertown High School, where she amassed 99 career wins and established herself as one of the region's top young coaches.

 She inherits a West Stokes program that went 18-6 overall last season, including a perfect 10-0 mark in the Mid-State 2A Conference. The Wildcats captured both the regular-season conference title and the conference tournament championship and finished as the regional semifinals runner-up.

 "My goal is to build on the already laid foundation of West Stokes softball," Ward said. "I want to pour into these young ladies and turn them into young women. I want to help these girls accomplish their   goals while also being successful on the ball field."

 Ward, a recent inductee to the East Forsyth High School Hall of Fame, where she was a standout three-sport athlete, began her coaching career in 2015 as a volleyball head coach before taking over   Walkertown's softball program in 2016.

"Coach Ward is known for her passion, integrity, and relentless work ethic," said Dr. Sam Jones, principal at West Stokes. "She prides herself on building meaningful relationships, creating positive culture, and helping young athletes reach their fullest potential—on and off the field."

During her time at Walkertown, Ward coached three all-state athletes, 10 all-district performers, and more than 30 all-conference selections. She has helped 10 players sign to compete at the collegiate level.

"We are excited to have Coach Ward lead our softball program," said West Stokes Athletic Director Travis Gammons. "She understands the game at a high level and is committed to growing our program, which includes a strong JV team. She has a rich history of building personal relationships and maximizing her players' potential."

Ward, a UNC Pembroke graduate with a degree in Health and Physical Education, described the move as a difficult but necessary career step.

"You never know when it is the right time to leave somewhere. I've been at Walkertown since the start of my career, so this decision was a very tough one," Ward explained. "I felt like it was the right time in my career to make a change and challenge myself."

Ward's husband, Jason, will remain at Walkertown, where he coaches multiple sports. The couple has two daughters, 6-year-old Rylee and 5-year-old Maycee.

Ward will make her West Stokes coaching debut next spring with the Wildcats heading into a new conference that includes East Surry, Forbush, Mt. Airy, North Surry, and Surry Central.

2025 Mid-State 2A Conference & Tournament Champions 18-6 (10-0)

Rylee Tedder (Pitcher of the Year), Jordan Stevens (Coach of the Year), Reese Hall (Player of the Year)