Jimmy Ballenger

TIFTON — For the first time since starting its program, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College will be looking for a new soccer coach.

Jimmy Ballenger, who has led the team since its inaugural season in 2006, announced this week he was stepping down.

“It was not an easy decision,” said Ballenger. “I decided it was the best thing for me and my family. Over the years, I tried to have my family involved and around as much as possible, but I still have spent an untold number of hours away from my family.”

Ballenger said the news brought different reactions from 15-year-old son, Carson, and 12-year-old daughter, Carlie. Carson, he said, took the decision harder than he thought, but Carlie took it better than he expected.

ABAC athletic director Alan Kramer said he completely understood Ballenger’s decision.

“It’s healthy for him to do it,” Kramer said, adding the hours were long. “A lot of time spent recruiting,” he said.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of an awesome group of ladies who have played here at ABAC,” said Ballenger. “My family and I have established incredible friendships with over 150 players and their families.”

Ballenger had the most years head coaching for any of ABAC’s current teams, Kramer said.

“I am excited for the future of ABAC Fillies soccer,” Ballenger said. He said the success of the program has led to “high level” recruits playing for the team.

“The program is in a good place,” said Kramer.

Ballenger said he believed that because of this foundation and the support from administration, “The sky is the limit for our soccer program.” He thanked Kramer and Shirley Wilson for their “unending support.”

Ballenger’s reign saw success from the start, even though the Fillies did not have an on-campus field for their first season, which was played at the E.B. Hamilton complex. ABAC had a record over .500 in 2006 and kept on winning every season afterwards.

He admitted it would be difficult to completely step away. Friday saw him show a recruit around campus. Kramer said Ballenger has tremendous leadership and an ability to engage students.

Four players have committed to play for ABAC next year, said Ballenger. Two more are close to coming to ABAC and he has visits set up with even more players.

ABAC has posted online that it is currently looking for candidates for the women’s soccer position.

“We’ll bring in someone passionate about soccer,” Kramer said.

Ballenger said he would not be involved in the hiring process, but would be available to help “in any way possible.”

Several memories stand out for Ballenger over his 13 years at ABAC, 12 of which were spent coaching the Fillies.

When Carson was five, Ballenger said, he memorized every player on the roster.

“When those players graduated, he couldn’t understand why Cassie Couch wasn’t No. 9 and Natalie Barber wasn’t No. 13 any longer.”

Ballenger loves that soccer has attracted players from all over the world to Tifton. He said he will miss most seeing his players grow as people.

“Each one had an impact on me,” he said, “and I am thankful that I have had a chance to be a small part of their lives.”