Nishiyama Takes Over Sacred Heart Softball

As is the case when any well-liked, veteran coach steps down, the retirement of Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy softball Coach Dennis Williams after the conclusion of the 2007 season felt like a heavy loss for the program.

Fortunately for the Tologs, the blow of losing Williams was softened by the hiring of an immediate replacement who brings enthusiasm, experience and familiarity with the school and the program from within.

Kirk Nishiyama, who coaches the cross-country team and chairs the math department at Sacred Heart, eagerly accepted the position — one that, according to the school’s athletic director, Stephanie Contreras, he had long maintained an interest in.

“I didn’t want to step on anybody’s toes while Dennis was still here, but then [the position] opened up,” Nishiyama, 43, said. “I’m excited to have the opportunity to do it.”

A long-standing member of the Tologs family, Nishiyama also spent 10 years, from 1990-2000, as an assistant coach in the Occidental College baseball program.

His 13-year tenure at Sacred Heart has also included a stint as junior varsity softball coach.

“Last year Kirk said to me, ‘If anything [in coaching] ever opens up in softball, I’d like to see what I could do in that area,’” Contreras said. “I think it’s going to be great. It’s going to be a good transition for the girls, going from Dennis, who was very dedicated, to another coach who is also very dedicated.”

Aiding in the transition will be Mary Schneiders, one of Williams’ former assistant coaches, who will share coaching duties with Nishiyama going forward.

“I felt comfortable that those pieces were in place for next year,” said Williams, who feels he is leaving the program in good hands.

For Williams, the move will mean more time to spend with family, although he plans to remain active as a CIF softball umpire.

“I’ve got about 21 years total in high school coaching, with softball being my No. 1 sport, but I also coach soccer and volleyball,” Williams said. “I’m a little tired. My second grandchild was just born [in Northern California], who I haven’t even seen yet, so I want to have a little more flexibility.”

Formerly a head softball coach at San Gabriel Mission, Williams arrived at Sacred Heart prior to the 2004 season.

He co-coached the softball team with George Tibbetts for two seasons before assuming full coaching duties in 2006.

That year, Williams led the Tologs to a best-ever third-place finish in the Mission League and a first-ever appearance in the CIF Southern Section Division IV playoffs.

In 2007, the team finished 9-11 and missed the playoffs amid injury problems, bringing Williams’ two-year head coaching record to 21-22.

Williams finished the year on a winning note, guiding the Private Schools team to a 1-0 victory in the June 8 West San Gabriel Valley Public vs. Private All-Star Game behind a one-hit complete-game performance from Sacred Heart senior Alexis Garcia.

“At the beginning of the year [Williams] gave me a [verbal] indication that he might not be coming back for the following year, so I wasn’t shocked [when he retired], but it’s always not good when a coach comes in and shuts the door,” Contreras said. “He’s been a great coach. He’s done great things with the girls and he’s a hard worker.

“He was a coach who was committed and dedicated 24-7, not only to the girls, but to our school.”