It won’t be necessary to introduce Hollister High’s new head
softball coach to the returning members of this year’s varsity,
which began practice last Saturday.
It won’t be necessary to introduce Hollister High’s new head softball coach to the returning members of this year’s varsity, which began practice last Saturday.
Scott Smith has had a say in the progress of most, if not all, of the 12 returning players, who will be joined by two to three others when the final cut is made Feb. 22 or thereabouts.
Smith, an assistant with the club two years ago, has coached at the Hollister Heat level, as well as the past four years with the Salinas Storm travel team, which has advanced to the national championships the past four years. Several of the Baler players play for the Storm travel teams during the summer.
Smith was one of five applicants to replace Marty Dillon, who was relieved of his duties as SBHS athletic director and head softball coach at the start of last year. Steve Azevedo filled in as the interim head coach last season.
“What happened with Marty last year was unfortunate,” said Smith. “These girls know there is to be no talk or discussion about that. I want kids focused on the business at hand.”
Four of the five applicants were called in for interviews, though just three showed up.
“Scott really impressed me at the interview,” said Baler Athletic Director Dave Tari. “I really liked what he had to say. He’s very knowledgable of the sport. I talked to the girls, many who played for him with the Heat and the Storm. Everything about him was positive.”
“He’s the best coach we could have hired,” said Jenny Maheu, who will be a junior shortstop/outfielder on this year’s squad. “All the players wanted him.”
Smith played football, basketball and baseball at North Salinas High (’76). He played baseball at Hartnell College and segued into coaching baseball at his alma mater. He eventually became a part of the Heat organization in the early ’90’s and also played adult softball for 12 years. He serves on the Hollister Heat Board, as well.
Smith is well aware of the talent the Balers, who could very well be ranked in the top five of the Central Coast Section before the year starts, have returning.
“We have super athletes,” said Smith. “I won’t put pressure on them to win. I want them to let things happen and react out on the field. I’ll teach a lot of fundamentals. We’re going to be disciplined, but I want to have a lot of fun. I want them to have fun.”
The Balers lost two seniors from last year’s team – Shellby Brown and Stephanie Azevedo. With 12 returning, that doesn’t leave much room for prospective hopefuls to make the team.
“From what I’ve seen of the Heat travel teams, we’re going to have good athletes at all three levels,” said Smith.
The new junior varsity coach is Brandi Grisom. Steve Grimsley, who coached the Heat 10-and under team last summer, heads the freshmen squad.
Assisting Smith at the varsity level are Mike Maheu and Mike Barrientos, two coaches with lengthy Hollister Heat ties.
