HOOVER &8212; Spain Park High School continues to move forward in the athletic community with the hiring of Clay-Chalkville softball coach CJ Hawkins.

Hawkins comes to the Jaguars after posting a 479-143 record and numerous post season appearances at Clay-Chalkville.

&8220;Spain Park was a place I&8217;ve been extremely interested in. I absolutely love being at Clay because of my kids. I was very vested in it and knew it would have to be the right opportunity,&8221; Hawkins said.

Over the past seven years, Hawkins has worked to improve her teams&8217; power offensively, as Clay-Chalkville hit 58 home runs this spring. That power helped lead CCHS to a second-place finish in the 2004 state tournament and third place in 2003.

Hawkins hopes she and her coaching staff, who she expects to bring with her from Clay-Chalkville, will be able to lead Spain Park to the post season soon.

&8220;The key is my coaching staff and the support of the community, parents and the administration. If everybody&8217;s on the same page and we&8217;re all working toward the same thing we&8217;ll be fine,&8221; she said.

However, it will not be easy, as she&8217;ll have to wade through a stiff area with Hoover, Vestavia Hills and Oak Mountain.

&8220;It&8217;s the hardest area in the state by far. It&8217;s just what it is in this part of town. You have to step up and win the big games,&8221; Hawkins said