Northgate softball has a new coach and a promising season ahead
WALNUT CREEK, Calif. — Long time football assistant coach and Northgate grad Zack Torrey has stepped up to the plate to coach Northgate High School’s softball program. The program has been without a consistent coaching staff, and when Torrey’s daughter wanted to play, he decided to use his previous coaching skills to help make his daughter’s high school experience even better.
He had his work cut out for him. He had to recruit players as the previous team only had enough players to field one team, and he wanted to grow the program with JV and Varsity teams. He had to create a pre-season schedule and recruit assistant coaches. They had to raise money and get the girls ready to play.
Torrey was a member of Northgate’s 1994 football team, one of the best seasons Northgate has ever had. “It was one of those magical moments in time, where everything came together,” remembers Torrey. He put his football coaching skills to use, using a similar model. He recruited Octavia Bond, a Northgate grad who also played at UC Berkeley and now runs Field House softball training and fitness programs, to help coach. He asked his employer, the Torrey Real Estate Team, to sponsor the team’s sweatshirts and began other fundraisers. He got 21 girls to join the two teams. He launched social media accounts.
“Northgate is such a special place. The school has a great culture and so much support from the administration,” says Torrey. He wanted to help bring that energy to girls softball. He has a very committed group of girls, very supportive parents, and a flexible employer, which all make coaching possible.
They are still looking for a corporate sponsor, and hope the community will come out to support the team on April 20 at Dine and Donate at Chipotle on Oak Grove Rd.
We can’t wait to see what the girls will do this season. Go Broncos!
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