The OPRF girls softball team has had an incredible run over the last several seasons. They won back-to-back state championships in 2016 and 2017 and boast the 2016 Illinois Gatorade player of the year and a three-time All-American.

Last season, the team made a deep playoff run that ended in the semi-sectionals. However, the program still does not have a head coach for the upcoming season after Mel Kolvusz retired this offseason.

This vacancy still has not been filled through the end of January. With the season set to start in less than two months, the window is getting smaller to hire a coach.

As for some of the new coaching options, senior Ella Kuenster hopes for a positive coach. “I’d like someone who is enthusiastic and supportive of every girl on the team,” said Kuenster.

“I would say I’m looking for a knowledgeable, positive, and supportive coach for next year,” said junior Kelly Cortez.

Kolvusz had some qualities that Kuenster really liked. “He explained the different drills and field situations really well for everyone,” she said.

Senior Maggie Brangle praised Kolvusz’s dedication to the team. “I think you could tell he wanted to be there and wanted to make us better players,” she said. “He was passionate about winning and growing as a team. I liked that he would push us beyond what we thought we could do.”

Kolvusz made the difficult decision to retire after 35 years of coaching, 29 of which he spent as the head coach of the softball team. “I have enjoyed almost every minute of it, but now, I think it’s time to turn the reins over to someone new,” said Kolvusz.

Now with tryouts set to start in just over a month, the school has still not appointed a head coach for the team. Whoever gets the job will have big shoes to fill this season.