Kennedy Resigns as the Girls’ Athletic Director at Mater Dei

Sharon Kennedy, Mater Dei girls’ athletic director, has resigned, it was announced Wednesday.

Kennedy headed the girls’ program for five years. She submitted her resignation April 5 but hopes to continue coaching tennis and golf.

“I just needed a change,” she said.

Huntington Beach’s Clare Walker said the decision by Ron Fortner to resign as coach of the women’s basketball program at Pepperdine will not affect her decision to attend the school.

“He called me two nights ago and told me about that,” Walker said. “I guess he and the administration had different ideas.

“I chose the school for more reasons than just basketball. I am shocked and disappointed that he’s leaving, but I’m sure they’ll find someone qualified to take his place. I’ll try to go on with my life.”

An electrical transformer exploded near the softball field at Marina High Tuesday, knocking out power to 50% of the school. The blast made everyone in the home dugout jump, but one athlete tried to play down the booming noise: “It’s just an M-80.”

You won’t get any empathy--or sympathy--from Fountain Valley softball pitcher Danny Rodriguez if you’re an opposing pitcher. After her team’s 3-0 victory over Huntington Beach, she was asked about her compassion for friend and Oiler pitcher Stephanie Noffsinger, the victim of eight errors.

“I never feel sorry for them,” Rodriguez said. “When they step on the field, they’re the enemy. I want to (destroy) them.”