This article is third in a series about new coaches at Bear River.

Bear River Softball has hit a home run with the new additions to the team.

Lady Bruins Softball welcomes two new coaches to the varsity team. Due to the departure of former Head Coach, Duane Zauner, Steven McCullough has taken over the Head Coach position with the help of the new Assistant Coach, Lena Williams, for the upcoming 2017 season.

New assistant coach Lena Williams is excited to be coaching such an experienced team.

“It won’t be long until there are many girls including my own, whom I have had the privilege of coaching who will be coming through this program one day soon,” said Williams. “I believe the present and future of Bear River Softball is something to be proud about.”

Coach McCullough and the players are thrilled to have such a kind and knowledgeable assistant coach like Lena Williams.

“It’s nice to finally have a female coach that we can relate to and that she can relate to us more,” said Kailynne VanWinkle, a senior.

“Yes, we all love the new coach she is very informative, she helps a lot with the outfield and she mixes with the team very well,” said Gabrielle Royston, a junior.

“Lena contacted the school and inquired about helping,” said Coach McCullough. “I am so very happy that her goals are the same as mine including being a softball coach, have fun, and watch talented girls play this game.”

Lena Williams is thrilled to coach at Bear River High School.

“My experience as a softball player covers most all of my schooling years,” she said. “I love this game! My first coaching job was with Colfax High School JV Softball team as an assistant coach. As an adult with children it was exciting to coach and be apart of the Penn Valley and Grass Valley Little Leagues. I started out coaching baseball for my boys and then eventually softball for my girls.”

Lady Bruins are also thrilled to have Steve McCullough as a head coach.

“I have always loved MC,” said VanWinkle. “This season for me is going to be more fun than competitive and he brings a fun and less stressful environment.”

“MC has been my coach for 3 years now, but it is a big change for him to be my head coach,” said Koerber. “I like him as a head coach because he listens to everyone’s opinion and input.”  

Veteran varsity softball players welcomed some new players to the team.

”This season is going to be good but we have a scrappy team that doesn’t have a lot of experience playing in High School,” said Koerber. “The new players are a good addition to the team. They all have their own strengths that will help out.”

“During practice, we all get along with each other and I’m sure we will grow together as a team before the season ends,” said VanWinkle.  

Head Coach McCullough expressed his excitement about being the new head softball coach and to watch his team play this year.

“Taking over all that a head coach does has been overwhelming,” said McCullough. “Coaching the team is the easy part. It’s all the stuff that has to be done in the fall and winter to play in the spring. I am so blessed to have Arielle returning and pitching. Kailynne is our other returning senior and she is so quick at shortstop, she is fun to watch.”