Softball Coach Removed at Benicia High Before No. 1-Seed Team Heads to Playoffs

Benicia High School's softball team has a perfect record in league play this year, but will have to face the playoffs without its regular season coach.

Kristin Grubbs was removed as the team's coach last week, and Principal Damon Wright on Monday declined to comment about the reasoning behind the decision. He said Assistant Coach Bruce Zimmer will lead the team in the playoffs.

Two parents of a player on the team also declined to comment, saying only that they supported the team as it makes its playoff run starting this Friday.

Grubbs emailed a statement to Patch Sunday, asking that it be printed in its entirety:

To Whom It May Concern,

On Thursday, May 8th, I was released from my co-curricular position as the Benicia High School Varsity Softball Coach. My On-The-Field conduct and temperament, which I equate to my passion for the game, were cited as the reasons for my dismissal. I would like to thank all of my players for the last two excellent seasons and I want each and everyone of them to know that I stand behind them 110 percent as they make their playoff run. In the meantime, I remain in my position as a Physical Education Teacher at BHS and will continue to serve my students and school.

Sincerely,
Kristin Grubbs

The No. 1 seed Benicia Panthers face off against the Del Campo High School Cougars at 7 p.m. Friday at the Sacramento Softball Complex, 3450 Longview Dr. in Sacramento.

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