The Pahrump Valley High School softball team is gearing up for an exciting new season. With a mix of seasoned upperclassmen and promising young talent, the Trojans are determined to build upon their recent successes and solidify their reputation as a formidable force in Nevada high school softball. As the team refines their skills and strengthens their bond, a new chapter is unfolding—one that is focused on discipline, teamwork, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
Brian Hayes, the new head coach of the Pahrump Valley High School softball team, brings a wealth of experience in both baseball and softball to the program. His journey into coaching softball started with his daughter, who began playing in the 8U division alongside the Armendariz family. As she progressed into 9U and 10U, Hayes and a group of parents formed a recreational team in the Majestic League due to the lack of available programs in PYSA during the COVID-19 pandemic. The team thrived in competition, but as they became increasingly competitive, they were essentially encouraged to move on. This led Hayes to transition into travel ball coaching, eventually assisting with a team in Las Vegas before taking over coaching responsibilities himself.
Although his roots are in baseball, Hayes has seamlessly adapted to the world of softball. He has been coaching baseball since 2002, gaining extensive experience at multiple levels. His coaching career began in Beatty and Amargosa, where he worked with Little League teams before advancing to the high school level. After moving to Pahrump, he served as an assistant coach under Rich Lauver, a role that helped him transition from coaching smaller teams to managing a larger roster. His time working with Lauver provided valuable insight into structuring practices effectively, an experience that now shapes his approach as the head coach of the PVHS softball team.
Hayes’ coaching philosophy has evolved over the years. Early in his career, he was primarily focused on winning at all costs. However, with experience, he has come to value the importance of building a team culture and instilling discipline. His current approach emphasizes fundamentals, respect, communication, and overall team cohesion. He understands that for athletes who aspire to play at the next level, mastering the basics is crucial. Hayes believes that by fostering a strong team environment, the program will experience long-term success, both on and off the field.
The coaching staff for the season includes a mix of returning and new faces. Susan Toomer, a familiar presence in the school, was already on staff and brings years of experience. Jordan Egan, a former PVHS player, is also on board, providing valuable insights as someone who has been through the program. Sammy Charles, who previously coached with Hayes in baseball, joins as the third paid assistant. Volunteer assistants include Jessica Saldana, who has extensive experience assisting with local teams, and John McHugh. Hayes acknowledges that adjusting to a new staff and a new team takes time, but he has been impressed with how quickly his assistants have stepped up to help build a solid foundation.
When asked about changes in training methods, Hayes explained that he wasn’t entirely sure how things were run in previous years, but his system revolves around two key principles: scoring at least seven runs per game and allowing five runs or fewer. He has designed practices to achieve these benchmarks, structuring drills and strategies around this philosophy. He acknowledges that it will take time for the players to fully grasp the system, but he is confident that once they do, the team will flourish. He also pointed out that Pahrump Valley has a strong talent pool, and he is eager to see how the team grows under this structured approach.
Among the players expected to make a significant impact this season is sophomore pitcher Evalenne Armendariz. Hayes anticipates that she will be the team’s workhorse, handling the majority of the high-pressure games. Behind the plate, catcher Madison Rodriguez stands out with her ability to control the game and limit opponents’ base-stealing opportunities. On the infield, shortstop Autumn Colon is a natural athlete with impressive speed, while freshman Mariah Gray has shown promise at third base. First base has Riley Saldana emerging as a key contender for playing time. In the outfield, Sadie Freeman and Danika Cox-Hosino have demonstrated strong defensive skills and offensive potential. Additionally, Kayla Glenn, known as KG, is another senior leader expected to contribute significantly.
Leadership is an essential component of any team, and while Hayes notes that Armendariz has natural leadership qualities, she is still only a sophomore. Among the seniors, Danika Cox-Hosino has emerged as a key leader, providing guidance and maintaining a positive attitude. While some other seniors are newer to the program, the team as a whole is still developing its leadership structure. Hayes hopes that as the season progresses, more players will step up to take on leadership roles.
One of the most significant areas of growth Hayes has seen is the improvement in practice efficiency. Initially, the team struggled to get through even a quarter of the planned drills. However, as they became more familiar with the routines, they have reached a point where they can complete full practices effectively. He credits this improvement to the players’ increased understanding and willingness to embrace discipline and structure.
Looking ahead, the team will face a critical test in the upcoming preseason tournaments. They will compete in Needles next weekend, followed by a tournament in St. George on March 14-15. These tournaments will be crucial for determining player roles and assessing the team’s strengths and weaknesses. Hayes expects to face strong competition, which will provide valuable insights into how the team stacks up against top-tier opponents. Within their league, he anticipates that teams such as Virgin Valley, Boulder City, and Moapa Valley will be the primary challengers. He also emphasizes that since Pahrump Valley made it to the state tournament last year, other teams will be looking to knock them out of competition, something he hopes his players recognize and use as motivation.
The biggest challenge for the team will be establishing a strong team culture. Hayes has already observed how difficult it is for players to accept their roles, especially when some do not make the traveling squad for scrimmages or tournaments. He wants the team to embrace the idea that success is collective—whether a player is on the field or supporting from the dugout, every member contributes to the team’s overall achievement. Hayes believes that once the players fully buy into this mindset, the team will operate more cohesively and perform at a higher level.
As for motivation, Hayes reminds his players that making it to the state tournament last year was just the beginning. The goal should not be merely to return to state, but to win once they get there. He also points to the addition of more preseason tournaments as a way to challenge the team early on and prepare them for the rigors of the season.
In closing, Hayes emphasizes that softball, like life, is full of ups and downs. He has introduced a mantra to the team: “Flush it.” If a player makes a mistake, whether it’s an error in the field or a poor at-bat, they need to flush it out and move on. Life is full of challenges, and how a person responds to setbacks is what truly matters. By instilling this mentality, he hopes to not only develop great softball players but also well-rounded individuals who carry these lessons beyond the field.
With a new head coach, a mix of seasoned and young talent, and a commitment to building a strong team culture, the Pahrump Valley High School softball team is poised for an exciting season. Hayes is eager to see how the team develops and is confident that if they buy into the process, they will achieve great things together.
