On March 20 in a special pre-game ceremony, the Dunbar softball field was dedicated to Michael Wainscott, a long-time coach who passed away on February 17, 2017. 

After playing Division 1 baseball at the University of Kentucky, he became a teacher at FCPS. He taught for 30 years, but his impact went far beyond the classroom. Wainscott coached youth sports teams for 38 years including football at Jesse Clark Middle School and Tates Creek High School, and football, track, and softball at Dunbar.

His longest tenure was 15 years as a coach for the Dunbar softball team. To his players, he was humble, upbeat, and positive.

Retired Assistant Athletic Director Donna G. Martin said Wainscott left a legacy as “a very competitive and very loyal coach to PLD.”

Coach Wainscott earned six district titles and one regional championship in 2005.

Dunbar’s current softball coach, Shelby Shanks, played softball for Coach Wainscott when she was in high school. She said, “He was always wanting everyone to get better and play together.”

The dedication of the field in his honor was especially poignant for Shanks now that she will coach on the same field.

“He was always happy to be on the softball field every day and greeted everyone with a high five and a smile.”