A.J. Daugherty considers his job a privilege as head softball coach at James Clemens High School.

“I look forward to the privilege of building our (softball) program from the ground up. Coaches want to leave an imprint on their program,” he said. “I’ll have the honor … also of laying a crucial foundation to what could become a championship program.”

Daugherty witnessed first-hand a teacher/coach’s impact on a student-athlete. “My high school baseball coach Danny Powell was a huge influence on me and taught many lessons beyond the baseball diamond — accountability, work ethic and class,” he said. “I hope to instill those same values in our student-athletes at James Clemens.”

Originally from McIntosh, he graduated from Leroy High School. After attending Shelton State Community College, Daugherty earned a bachelor’s degree in second education at the University of Alabama in 2008.

Daugherty will be leaving American Christian Academy in Tuscaloosa, where he worked from 2009 to 2012. Also in Tuscaloosa, he taught at Paul W. Bryant High School.

At the academy, a young student on the football team especially impressed Daugherty. “He has dealt with many struggles in recent years, including financial struggles and losing his father in 2009. He works several part-time jobs to help support his mother and family.”

The academy hired the young man as part-time custodian after school and during summer. “Despite these obstacles, he is always smiling and goes out of his way to greet whomever he sees. He is a constant reminder that we should be thankful for blessings that God gives to us and not dwell on misfortunes.”

James Clemens’ staff wants to establish “a culture conducive to producing outstanding people and athletes,” Daugherty said. Community support will be a major component in the building process.

“I’ve already met some outstanding people in the community. I’m looking forward to working with them to build our program,” Daugherty said. “We’ll strive to represent the City of Madison and James Clemens in the most positive light.”

His wife Allison also is a teacher. Their son Connor is six weeks old.