East Union’s Goulart named MaxPreps’ medium schools Coach of the Year for softball

East Union High School softball coach Brian Goulart has been named a State Coach of the Year by two online publications.

The accolades follow an historic season for a program accustomed to fantastic finishes. The Lancers captured their third Sac-Joaquin Section title in style, storming out of the losers’ bracket to win the Division III tournament.

East Union didn’t just beat Pioneer of Woodland – one of two teams to beat the Lancers all season – in back-to-back games in the final. The Lancers, led by The Bee’s All-District Player of the Year Cherish Burks, pulverized the Patriots.

East Union seized the blue banner with 12-1 and 17-3 victories and then celebrated as a team at Disneyland.

That was Goulart’s touch, and a big reason why Cal-Hi Sports and MaxPreps named him their Medium Schools State Coach of the Year.

“I’m incredibly honored. It’s amazing to be named State Coach of the Year, because I know so many coaches in just our area that are great,” Goulart said. “To get this honor, I don’t take it lightly and I’ll cherish it for sure.”

East Union finished the season 30-3 and was named Cal-Hi Sports’ Division III State Team of the Year, two firsts for a program that has been dominant for nearly two decades. The Lancers were No. 14 in Cal-Hi Sports’ overall state rankings.

“I’m careful to not offend my past teams. I cherish every player, and there’s many a parent I love with all my soul,” Goulart said. “But outside of those personal relationships, this was the most special and most historic team we’ve had for so many reasons.”

Let him count the ways: “First time we’ve won a state championship. That may never happen again. First time we’ve ever won 30 games, which means you had to make the playoffs. And then the All-Americans. We had multiple All-Americans and multiple all-state selections,” Goulart said. “You add that all up and you’ve had yourself an amazing season.”

MaxPreps made its announcement Monday, nearly a month after Cal-Hi Sports showered Goulart with the same award.

Six players from the Stanislaus District joined Goulart on MaxPreps’ Medium Schools All-State Team, including three Lancers: Burks, bound for the outfield at Oregon; senior infielder Sam Owen, a University of the Pacific commit and the Valley Oak League’s MVP; and junior outfielder Alexis Erich, who belted a team-best 10 home runs.

Sierra junior Kendelle Messersmith (.578, 38 hits) and Ceres junior Nicole Bates (.518, 24 extra-base hits) were also selected. Messersmith helped lead the Timberwolves to a Division IV section crown, and Bates was the spark plug for Western Athletic Conference co-champion Ceres.

The Bulldogs shared the league title with Pacheco, home to all-state selection Gia Rodoni. The Baylor-bound pitcher ranked 10th in the state in strikeouts with 256.

For much of this award season, Goulart has praised the players on his team and the young talent throughout the Stanislaus District.

On Monday, he shared the spotlight with his coaching staff, an unheralded group of assistants: Randy Friend, Deon Ward and Steffany Zanini, a former player.

“I’ve been getting a lot of calls and congratulations, but this is really about our staff,” he said. “For the first time, our staff jelled perfectly, like it had to do. There was no missing link. I’m excited because we’ve put a lot of time into this team.

“I appreciate all the calls, but I think I’m more excited for my staff and players.”

Nickles honored by MaxPreps – Merced’s Madilyn Nickles was the only Stanislaus District player named to the MaxPreps Large Schools All-State Team.

Nickles was listed as a pitcher. The three-time All-American led the Bears from the circle, where she was 22-6 with 287 strikeouts and five no-hitters in her junior year.

This story was originally published July 27, 2015 at 6:52 PM with the headline "East Union’s Goulart named MaxPreps’ medium schools Coach of the Year for softball."