Brittany Connors put down some roots in Ledyard a year ago when she and her boyfriend, Matt Robinson, purchased a home in town.

Connors strengthened those ties even more Tuesday when she was named Ledyard High School's new softball coach.

"My boyfriend's daughter (Ava) goes to school (in town)," Connors said. "We plan on being there forever, so it just felt like it was meant to be.

"I'm really excited to take over the Ledyard program and what they have. There's a lot of exciting things there."

Connors, a Waterford High graduate, spent the previous two seasons at St. Bernard School. She replaces Ray O'Donnell, who coached the program the previous 12 years.

"Brittany brings energy and passion for the sport of softball and her enthusiasm for competition is clearly evident," Ledyard athletic director Jim Buonocore said. "Brittany's teams at St. Bernard have been extremely aggressive in their approach to the game and fundamentally sound in all phases. She has a clear understanding of the role academics and athletics plays in helping our students become fully educated adults.

"She will be a wonderful role model for our student-athletes and an outstanding addition to our athletic department at Ledyard High School."

"It's definitely bittersweet because I loved the girls and my assistant coach (Nikki Nelson) and the parents (at St. Bernard) were amazing," Connors said. "But I think it's the right move for me."

n.griffen@theday.com