McPHERSON, Kan. – McPherson High School announced earlier this week the new hire of Daryl Hoelting, who will take the position as their new head softball coach.
Hoelting heads to McPherson following 24 years of experience coaching high school softball and multiple years at the college level. His experience includes five state championships, four runners-up finishes, 16 regional championships, 17 league championships, and a 90% win percentage. He also holds the state record with 72 consecutive wins at one point.
“I am very excited about coaching softball at McPherson,” Hoelting said. “I can’t wait to meet everyone and get going. I want to be ready to roll when the time comes.”
Salina has been Hoelting’s home for his career so far, winning two of his state titles at Salina South and winning the other three at Salina-Sacred Heart. He also coached softball at Kansas Wesleyan University, winning the KCAC in 2014 and 2015 and winning the KCAC Softball Coach of the Year award in 2014.
“We could not be more excited about hiring a coach of the caliber of Daryl Hoelting to lead our softball program into the future and continue to build on past success,” McPherson Activities Director Shane Backhus said. “Our interview committee was extremely impressed with his desire to develop teams with high character and tough competitors. Coach Hoelting brings a vast knowledge of the game to MHS. He will build a top-notch staff around himself and they will be able to make an immediate impact on our program.”
This will be Hoelting’s first gig outside of Salina, but he says he has always enjoyed McPherson. “I like McPherson,” Hoelting said. “Always have. The people I have met so far have been wonderful. Great programs, great tradition, great facilities, great AD, and plenty of school spirit.”
“It’s cool when a team, school, parents, coaches, and community bond together to form a strong program and are tough to beat,” Hoelting continued. “My coaching focus is to get better every day.”
