As the Pahrump Valley High School softball team prepares to take the field for the upcoming season, excitement and optimism are building around a program that Head Coach Brian Hayes believes is taking meaningful steps forward — both in talent and in culture. With an expanded coaching staff, increased player depth, and one of the most competitive schedules the team has faced in recent years, the Lady Trojans enter the season focused on growth, competition, and long-term success.
Hayes said much of the momentum begins with the addition of a familiar and highly respected name returning to the program: Coach Rich Lauver.
“Coach Lauver brings tons of knowledge and tons of experience,” Hayes explained. “He’s been part of state-caliber programs and understands what it takes to run practices at that level. Honestly, I’ve been trying to get him involved for a couple of years, so we’re excited to finally have him here.”
Coming from a baseball background himself, Hayes said Lauver’s softball-specific expertise has already made a noticeable difference, particularly at the plate.
“One thing you’re going to see this year is our girls are going to hit,” Hayes said. “We’re already seeing it and the club level and in scrimmages. They’re hitting the ball really well, and it’s nice to send kids into the cages and know they’re going to come out better hitters.”
Lauver’s philosophy extends beyond mechanics and strategy. Hayes emphasized that one of the program’s primary goals this season is building a strong community around the players — involving coaches, parents, and former athletes to create a supportive and invested environment.
That vision is reflected in a significantly expanded coaching staff. Returning coaches Sammy Charles, Susan Toomer, Jordan Egan, and John McHugh are joined by Dave Glenn and Ray Wagner, along with parent volunteers and former players who regularly assist at practices. On some days, the team has as many as eight to twelve coaches working across multiple stations.
“We’ve got knowledgeable people running different stations, coaches rotating, and kids constantly moving,” Hayes said. “Nobody’s just standing around. With limited time before games start, every rep matters.”
The increased staffing has allowed practices to become faster-paced and more structured, helping players maximize development while creating a competitive atmosphere that Hayes believes will pay dividends later in the season.
That competition has already begun to take shape thanks to offseason club opportunities designed to give players additional reps and game experience. What started as a small hitting-focused group quickly grew into a functioning club team, allowing younger athletes valuable playing time while pushing returning players to elevate their performance.
“At first it was just about getting girls hitting,” Hayes said. “Then we had enough players that we needed games. We scrimmaged Bishop Gorman and played other club teams, and it really helped our younger girls gain experience they might not get once the season starts.”
The added depth has created internal competition — something Hayes said the program lacked at times last season.
“When you’re not worried about someone competing for your position, it’s hard to push yourself,” he said. “Now the girls know they have to work. You can see that hunger.”
The offseason also allowed multi-sport athletes to participate when schedules permitted, ensuring players involved in basketball or other winter sports could still prepare for softball. The team continued that preparation with an 18U tournament appearance ahead of the official season, where the team finished second, giving coaches an early look at lineup possibilities.
Despite growing numbers, the Lady Trojans remain a young squad. The team will rely on just two seniors this season — Madi Rodriguez and Myah Krolczyk — though Hayes believes leadership will ultimately be determined by effort rather than class standing.
“Leadership is going to come from whoever shows up and grinds,” Hayes said. “Madi has been putting in the work even while playing club ball elsewhere. The girls see that. When someone works that hard, teammates want to fight for them.”
Hayes noted that Rodriguez, entering her final high school season, understands the urgency of making the most of her senior year.
“For a senior, this is it,” he said. “You do everything you can to win. That mindset spreads through the team.”
While leadership develops internally, the Lady Trojans will be tested externally by a significantly tougher schedule. After taking over the program late last year, Hayes scheduled cautiously while learning the team’s capabilities. Strong offseason scrimmages — including competitive showings against powerhouse Bishop Gorman — changed that outlook.
“We competed really well with them, even without several players who will likely be varsity starters,” Hayes said. “That told me we can play with 5A teams. We might not win every game, but I’d rather challenge ourselves than rack up easy wins.”
The 2025 schedule reflects that philosophy. The Lady Trojans will face multiple higher-classification opponents, including matchups against consistently strong Needles teams, while also expanding tournament play. After participating in two tournaments last season, PVHS will compete in three this year, including trips to St. George and a higher-level Elite tournament following a successful showing at last year’s Classic event.
The early portion of the season will be particularly demanding, with multiple game stretches packed into the first few weeks.
“We’re going to play a lot of softball early,” Hayes said. “Two games here, three games there — then staying to watch our JV play. The girls are going to be softballed out after a couple weekends, but that’s how you grow.”
Roster numbers have also increased dramatically. Hayes estimates the program could have 20 to 24 players capable of competing at the varsity level immediately, with additional athletes developing quickly behind them. Rather than viewing varsity and junior varsity as separate groups, the coaching staff is working to build a unified program focused on progression.
“We want one team mentality,” Hayes said. “JV players aren’t separate — they’re the next group pushing to reach that varsity level.”
If participation continues to grow beyond roster limits, the coaching staff is even exploring additional club scrimmages to ensure every athlete has opportunities to compete.
“If kids are out here working hard, they’ve earned chances to play,” Hayes said. “We’ll find ways to make that happen.”
With increased depth, experienced leadership, and a renewed emphasis on development and competition, Hayes believes the Lady Trojans are positioned to take an important step forward this spring.
“It’s a good group of girls,” he said. “The energy is positive, the competition is there, and we’re filling in the pieces we were missing last year. I’m excited to see what this team looks like by May.”
As the season approaches, the Lady Trojans appear ready to embrace both the challenges ahead and the opportunities that come with a program on the rise.
