Gilroy
– When the high school softball season ends in June, so will
Julie Berggren’s four-year tenure as head coach of the Gilroy
softball program.
Gilroy – When the high school softball season ends in June, so will Julie Berggren’s four-year tenure as head coach of the Gilroy softball program.
Berggren, a physical education teacher, submitted her official resignation on Thursday and will not be returning to coach or teach at Gilroy in the fall.
Berggren told the Dispatch Friday she’s leaving because she bought a home in Corning, where she’ll be closer to friends and family.
“It’s hard to afford a home here, and it’s time to move on with the rest of my adult life,” Berggren said.
Gilroy athletic director Jack Daley said Berggren’s departure will be a loss to Gilroy High.
“I’m really sad she’s leaving,” Daley said. “Not only as a coach, but in the classroom, she’s one of those people who’s got lots of energy and works hard. Those people don’t come along that often.”
Under Berggren’s direction, the ‘Stangs made it to the CCS playoffs in 2002 and 2003. They are off to an 8-5 start this season and have just begun their Tri-County Athletic League schedule.
Berggren said she does not yet have a job in Corning, which is just north of Chico, but that she plans to continue teaching and coaching softball.
“I want to continue coaching,” she said. “But I don’t even have a job yet, so it’s not my highest priority.”
With a P.E. teaching position now open, Daley hopes to bring in a coach who could also teach full-time at Gilroy.
“The job opening makes it more attractive,” Daley said. “I think we’re going to try to go outside (Gilroy High for a new candidate). I’d really like to have a coach on (the teaching) staff.”
Daley said the school is also still in the process of finding a new varsity girls’ volleyball coach to replace Sam Navarez, who resigned after last season. Eric Kuwada, who coaches both boys’ and girls’ golf, is also leaving after this school year.
