George Randolph, who led Owensboro Catholic to decades of dominance in high school softball, was officially inducted into the Dawahares/KHSAA Hall of Fame on Sunday during a ceremony at the Central Bank Center Ballroom in Lexington.
The moment, Randolph said, was both humbling and unforgettable.
“It felt amazing,” Randolph said. “From the time we were notified to the video interviews, halftime recognition at the boys’ state semifinals, and then Sunday’s banquet — it was first class all the way.”
Randolph was joined by several of his family members. His granddaughter Aubrey was unable to attend due to attending the OT Sports Awards banquet, but Randolph said she was right where she needed to be — being honored for her own accomplishments.
Randolph’s coaching legacy spans 22 years at Owensboro Catholic, where he guided the Lady Aces to one slow-pitch state championship (1996) and five fast-pitch state titles (1998, 1999, 2003, 2005, and 2009). His teams also made four state runner-up finishes and won 17 regional championships — including a 13-year streak from 2001 to 2013 — and 16 district titles.
“Just being among all those amazing people — coaches, athletes, even legends who have passed — it was so special,” Randolph said. “It brought back so many memories. We went through old photos and newspaper clippings for the slideshow, and I was texting pictures to some of the former players. It was emotional and rewarding to relive those moments.”
Randolph retired in 2017, announcing it to his team after a state tournament game. He described those 22 seasons as going by in a flash.
“I never would’ve dreamed back in 1996 that it would turn out the way it did,” he said. “It’s humbling and I feel blessed to have experienced it all with the kids.”
He emphasized the collective nature of the recognition.
“This may be an individual award, but it was a group effort,” Randolph said. “I’m proud to accept it on behalf of Owensboro Catholic, our coaches, parents, fans, and most of all, the players. I’ve got one biological daughter, but I consider all of them my daughters.”
Randolph added that coaching was always a family commitment, noting the sacrifices made by his wife and children, especially during overlapping seasons.
“The most gratifying thing is the relationships,” he said. “That’s what coaching is about. We were a family.”
With the 2025 class, the Dawahares/KHSAA Hall of Fame now includes 529 inductees. Sunday’s ceremony included remarks by emcee Dave “Buzz” Baker and KHSAA Commissioner Julian Tackett, along with a slideshow and banquet meal for inductees and guests.
“It was an exciting weekend,” Randolph said. “The energy in that room, hearing the stories of other inductees — it was just incredible.”
Randolph still hangs out around Aces athletics. His impact on the program — and the lives he touched — continues to be felt.
