Whether it includes the team’s players, their performance, or defeating teams that have proved difficult in the past, the 2014-2015 varsity softball squad has made a name for themselves. While it can be said that these players are ever-changing and improving, there has been one significant piece that recently came into the picture: first-year head coach Robert Hehe.

Hehe has been a part of the softball program for five years as an assistant varsity and junior varsity coach, but this season was his first as the head coach.

As the previous head coach Kevin Chapin stepped into the position of assistant principal at Bogle Junior High, principal Dan Serrano was put to the task of choosing a replacement.

“When we went to the interview process, he was, by far, the best candidate,” Serrano said of Hehe’s interview.

Hehe has brought several new changes to the Pumas (20-5, 3-3), who are currently ranked seventh (as of press time), including his more separated and controlled practices, but he still credits the players with all of their improvement. Team captain Taylor Aldridge talks about the change in recent coaching styles saying, “He knows us better and he knows how to teach us better.”

Nevertheless, it is evident players have stepped up their game in the ongoing season with several triumphant victories so far, such as conquering one difficult opponent, the Red Mountain Cougars. Hehe stays faithful in the girls announcing, “I don’t know if it has anything to do with me, they’re just a really talented group of girls.”

Remaining humble, Hehe has never been one to take the credit for an outstanding season like we have recently seen. He is grateful for the help he has received when he says, “I’m very fortunate in the fact that I have very good assistant coaches and that’s the reason we’re doing as well as we are, so I’d like to thank them.”

While short term goals for varsity softball include playoffs and a possible trophy in the near future, it is safe to say the school will be appreciative of the new head coach for years to come.