At a milestone event in May 2019, Kimberlee Walston made her commitment to Holy Names University in Oakland official to play softball. Behind her were a host of notable figures, including former athletic director Tom Petithomme, current head baseball coach Jason Chatham and former coaches, all united in celebrating the accomplishment.
The Grizzlies softball team enters a new era as Todd Pridy accepts the role of head coach, succeeding Ron Walston, who led the team for eight of the last nine seasons. Pridy, a familiar face around the baseball circuit, demonstrated his adaptability last season by replacing Walston five times, receiving considerable praise and experience.
Having dedicated 17 years to the Napa High baseball program, Pridy is no stranger to the field. From 2002 to 2018, he led the Napa team to notable success, winning Monticello Empire League titles in 2007, 2009 and 2012. His illustrious career earned him a place in the Napa Athletic Hall of Fame High in 2004 .
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Pridy commented on the smooth transition, saying, “With Ron leaving after a successful tenure, a position was vacant and I was fortunate to gain direct experience managing the team last spring. I lean on baseball friends who now coach softball to help me navigate this new landscape. Her partnership with longtime assistant coach and veteran softball educator DeAnna Bowers will be critical in this transition.
Bowers, with a rich history of cheering for softball, brings valuable knowledge to the Grizzlies. A three-time former San Mateo County Player of the Year and All-American at Utah State, she is poised to become a cornerstone of the coaching staff. Pridy has already recognized his experience as crucial, saying: “He is a calming and incredibly competent presence in the game.”
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Although the graduation losses affected the team’s experience, Pridy is optimistic about his roster. He noted the team’s positive reception of organizational changes, consistent with communications strategies established during his long baseball career. “Young athletes are all the same and organization is key, regardless of gender,” he added.
As he embarks on this softball journey, Pridy remains grounded in his coaching philosophy. Although analytics plays an increasingly important role in modern sport, he is determined to trust his instincts and stresses: “At the end of the day we need strong contact and I rely a lot on what I see during the match.” With a new prospect added to the program, the Grizzlies are ready to take on the challenges of the Vine Valley Athletic League and the North Coast Section under Pridy’s leadership.
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As the new season approaches, the Grizzlies and their dedicated fans cannot wait. Pridy’s immense experience, combined with a fresh vision, might just be the recipe for success.
