Coach: Bret GrammerstorfSchool: Mountain VistaSport:
softball
How many years have you devoted your life to coaching? What got
you into coaching initially?
This is my 16th year of coaching softball, seventh at Mountain
Vista. I was the basketball coach at a school in Jefferson County
and the softball coach asked if I wanted to help. I was the junior
varsity coach my first year, and I was hooked right away.
What is your history with softball, as a player or otherwise?
What’s most exciting about it to you?
I played basketball in high school and for a couple of years in
college. While I was in college, I decided I wanted to continue to
be involved in high school athletics, and I figured the best way to
do that was to become a teacher. The preparation for games is the
most exciting part for me, which means practice. This is where we
really get to work on our skills, but we [the team] have fun and
get to know one another.
Can you describe a moment or two when you found coaching to be
truly rewarding?
The most rewarding moment for me is when our former players come
back and spend time with us. We get a number of players who come
back in the summer and visit. Plus, they come out and watch the
rivalry games. That to me means they had a rewarding experience and
want to continue to be a part after they graduate.
As a coach, what is your No. 1 goal every time you walk into a
new season? What is usually the first thing you take care of
walking into the season?
When we begin our season, what we want from our players is to be
prepared for every situation that season lone plans. It make my
life easier when we are in the middle of the season, but about
everything is done and ready to go.
We all know being a head coach requires a lot of time and
devotion. How much does family and friend support come into play
when trying to guide a successful preps sports program?
It is difficult to balance coaching and having a family. My wife
and I both end up making sacrifices all year round. I try and
involve my children as best I can. They are both experts on
dragging the field. You develop friends within the game and talking
with them about situations, concerns and issues is a great
help.
What is most rewarding about working with high school athletes
specifically?
I think the most rewarding thing about working with high school
athletes is the amount of growth that you see from their freshman
year to their senior year. I think about players we have had in the
past and how much they have changed and matured both on and off the
field. It is really neat to see those changes.
Your team just won the state championship, given your choice,
where would you want to celebrate?
After we won both state championships at Lakewood, my wife and
some friends went to Red and Jerry’s. I don’t know why, but now I
would like the coaches and their families to be at my house.
What do you do for entertainment that doesn’t relate to
softball?
I still try and play “old man” baseball. Any time we can travel
is always nice. Golf is always a good distraction. Winter or summer
activities in the mountains of Colorado are great
entertainment.