From playing softball to coaching softball at Mill Valley, coaches Jessica Garcia and Ashley Copeland are shaping future players to be the best versions of themselves on and off the field.

Garcia has seen crucial development not only in their players but also in the softball program itself, since she played from 2017-2020.

“Well, I played out at 3&2 [softball fields], that was our home field, so I didn’t really get all these nice tunnels, nice dug out and nice field,” Garcia said.

Copeland played for the team all four years and still appreciates the connections she made in the program.

“I played two years of JV softball and then two years of varsity softball, Copeland said. “I had a lot of fun. I have some friends that I still connect with, and it was a really good growing experience for me.”

Copeland sees coaching as an opportunity to spend time with others and help them grow.

“I just think coaching is just an opportunity to build relationships with people. And so I think it’s just, you know, a connection. You can find connections anywhere in a house that we have softball in common with, but it’s just when you spend time with people that helps,” Copeland said.

Garcia has played under Jessica DeWild which has allowed her to keep a good relationship while coaching together.

“When I was here playing, I felt comfortable talking to DeWild about anything and everything, and I feel like that’s carried over into the coaching,” Garcia said.

Garcia appreciates the opportunity to share a common love for the sport and has a determination to help all her athletes succeed.

“​​I think being able to play at a higher level as well. It’s a certain amount of respect that they have for me and respect that I reciprocate to them. They’re a good group of girls, and I’m excited to see what they’re going to do this season,” Garcia said.