Terry Floyd, 55, can tell you a thing or two about winning softball games at Coffee County High School.
During his 20 years coaching, his teams have won 351 games - including eight district championships, four regional championships and two state tournament appearances.
But Floyd will be the first to admit impacting the lives of his players off the field is what mattered more to him.
"All the scholarships the kids got from playing softball," he said. "And they still call, so I must've done something right that they check on me and everything."
Coffee County High School senior Haley Hinshaw said some of Floyd's sayings motivated her to do her best on and off the field.
"Always inspirational to all of us. He had two favorite sayings, 'one team, one fight' and 'remember the moments,'" she said.
In 2009, Floyd said during his annual doctor exam, lab work showed he had a fatty liver. He said although he wasn't a drinker, he had started developing cirrhosis.
He said last spring, he started pretending that he was healthy physically. He didn't want to have his team worry.
"We always had a winning season. The last year I guess I hurt more," he recalled.
In August 2016, doctors told Floyd he needed a liver transplant and would have to stop coaching. He said hearing the news was emotional.
"Cause, as you can see now, I enjoyed doing this and something got taken away from me that I enjoy doing," he said.
"I wouldn't be the person I am today if it wasn't for him," former softball player Shelby Giles said. "He said on your headstone, you had your birthday and the day that you die but all that matters is your dash, what matters is how you treat people, what you do for your community, how you live your life," she said remembering his words.
Since October, Floyd has lost more than 60 pounds and meets with doctors weekly to remove excess fluid from his body. But he stays positive with all the knuckle balls life throws his way.
Floyd found out this week that he was at the top of the liver transplant list. He said that was exciting news.
"You need to pack your bags, it can happen anytime. At first I was kind of scared but I want to be healthy again," he smiled.
This Thursday, March 9th, Coffee County High School will be hosting the Terry Floyd Softball Jamboree Benefit in Manchester. Games will also be played at Tullahoma High School. Concessions will be open with a variety of food and soups. Donations will also be accepted to help with Floyd's medical costs.
Schedule as follows:
At Coffee County
- 6 p.m. Coffee County vs Dekalb County
- 7 p.m. Franklin County vs Warren County
- 8 p.m. Shelbyville vs Oakland
At Tullahoma
- 6 p.m. Lincoln County vs Grundy County
- 7 p.m. Tullahoma vs Cascade
A special account has been set up at Coffee County Bank to help support Terry and his family. The savings account has been placed under the name "Terry Floyd Benefit Fund" and all the money collected will be used for utilities, mortgage, and travel expenses to the hospital.
