by Chris Hunt

Hopewell High hired longtime assistant coach Cheryl Burwell to become the third softball coach in school history.

Hopewell athletics director Jamie ­Billings said Burwell has been the team’s assistant coach since the school opened in 2001. Burwell was also a former middle-school softball coach and athletics director.

“Coach Burwell brings a tremendous amount of experience,” said Billings. “Hopewell could not be happier to have her as our new head coach.”

Burwell replaces Brant Jensen, a popular figure whose teaching position fell victim to Charlotte-­Mecklenburg Schools’ budget cuts.