BY SARAH STEPHENS
ELMORE/AUTAUGA NEWS
WETUMPKA – Tiffany Chandler is settling into her new position in Wetumpka as the city’s new Athletic Programs Director for the new Parks and Recreation Department.
It is a role that suits her, and she is looking forward to the challenge of building the Parks and Recreation Department basically from the ground up. She is excited about the future and feels very confident.
Tiffany talked to EAN saying how important youth sports were to her growing up and how it has helped make her stronger as a person.
Tiffany previously worked in Opelika with their youth sports programs. There, she was the Director of Opelika Power Athletics, but actively worked with other directors over various programs to learn about entities within the very large and successful organization.
It is safe to say that the Opelika program is one of the biggest in the state, and her experiences there have prepared her to hit the ground running in Wetumpka.
She said she came from a family of athletes, and her growing years are full of life lessons that were learned on one field or another. After high school she received an athletic scholarship to continue her education.
For now, Tiffany said she will oversee the Softball and Baseball programs that will be offered through the city. She has a vision of the future, which includes expansion of programs that offer participation for children from families of all incomes.
“If not for youth/recreational sports I don’t know if I would have flourished,” Tiffany said. “Athletics teaches a lot of valuable lessons. It gives the opportunity for adult mentorship, interaction, and gives the kids an opportunity to take part in more than just electronics. I think that is so important.”
Wetumpka Parks and Rec will expect to open registration for Fall Ball on Aug. 3. It will be open for two weeks, and will begin Sept. 12, just after Labor Day. While the link it not yet available, it will be up soon on the city’s website. Parents will also be able to visit the Sports Complex and register their children, paying by cash, check or credit card.
Tiffany moved to Wetumpka earlier this year, along with her husband, Jonathan Chandler. Jonathan has joined Wetumpka High School as the Offensive Coordinator for the football team. He was also a coach in Opelika and was named the 6A Assistant Coach of the Year.
“I am going to brag on him for that, because he will not brag about himself,” Tiffany said with a laugh.
So, the athletic duo is looking to the future in the City of Natural Beauty where athletics is concerned.
“I like that I will have interaction with all things athletic and will also work closely with WHS Head Coach Bear Woods,” she said. “I believe that all of my past experiences have prepared me for exactly where I am today. I believe God works that way.”
“It is heavy on my heart to have programs that reach kids of all financial backgrounds,” she said.
She also brings with her quite a bit of knowledge in digital media. While at Troy, she ran the video board, and she is very interested in getting students involved in this process as well. She has spoken with school officials, and already a group of students has been defined.
“I am very excited, and I just know what this could become with time and dedication,” Chandler said.
