Asheboro names scoreboard after former softball coach

Carol McCauley, left, and assistant coach Kristen Faircloth help unveil of the new softball field scoreboard in memory of former coach Lisa Robertson at Asheboro High School on March 2.

ASHEBORO – Asheboro High School has a new scoreboard at its softball field named after former coach Lisa Robertson.

The dedication ceremony took place last week prior to this season’s home opener.

“She left an indelible mark on not just coaches and staff, but also look at all the people around here,” athletics director Steve Luck said after the ceremony. “Former players are bringing their kids back to see the memory of her. I’m not surprised.”

Robertson spent her entire professional career with Asheboro City Schools. She died in 2018 after a battle with ALS.

“Under her guidance the Lady Comets were challenged to put team before self,” principal Dr. Penny Crooks said in a statement. “As a peer, Ms. Robertson was an enduring leader. She held her peers to a high level of accountability, keeping the whole department in shape.”

Robertson coached softball at Asheboro for 20 years. She has been considered instrumental in bringing fast-pitch softball to Randolph County.

Kristen Faircloth, a former player for Robertson, is a teacher at Asheboro. She made the request to name the scoreboard in Robertson’s honor.

Robertson was a physical education teacher for 20 years at South Asheboro Middle School before eight more years at the high school. She also coached basketball at the middle school and high school.

Former University of North Carolina coach Donna Papa and longtime friend Carol McCauley were considered instrumental in Robertson’s coaching career.

“Lisa’s friends have made sure her legacy continues,” said Elaine Robertson, the former coach’s mother. “Since 2018, her friends and colleagues have established an endowed scholarship in her name through the Asheboro City Schools Education Foundation. They always remember us on her birthday and holidays, and they have now secured a spot for Lisa in AHS history for generations to come.”

Retired school administrator Dr. Tim Allgood said Robertson’s name should be included along with Martin Smith, Max Morgan and Lee J. Stone as being among the most influential coaches at Asheboro High School.

Luck said the scoreboard naming is a fitting tribute.

“She was just a very humble person,” he said. “Someone who you want on your staff that you didn’t have to worry about. You knew things would be taken care of.”

By Randolph Record