GAMES
RANKINGS
Coach Michelle Rochinski accepts the NFHS Coach of the Year award, alongside her family
SWITCHING GEARS: Rochinski’s future at Lake Creek, following legendary coaching career
She had ultimately come to this decision prior to her team’s 8-0 victory against Comal Canyon in the Class 5A finale.
Along with concluding her time as her daughter’s coach, the knowledge of her intention makes it clear as to why all the emotions finally hit her as she walked off the field.
Matthew Ogle (VYPE)
“Only a few people knew that it [the championship] was my last game as the softball coach,” said Rochinski. “There were several different emotions and thoughts at play when I started to tear up. But, the girls didn’t know until our meeting on Monday, because I didn’t want to make their moment about me. They’re the ones who fight and battle on the field, and it was their time to shine.”
Having started her 24-year coaching career at Klein, before moving on to Montgomery and eventually a brand-new Lake Creek school in 2018, it’s easy to empathize with Rochinski’s reasoning.
“It hasn’t always been easy,” she said. “My husband and my kids [Kalee and Cade] have been so supportive through all the ups and downs that we’ve gone through--the times when I’d still be in coaching mode with Kalee at home, and the long hours. We’ve had our heated moments, but in the long run, I wouldn’t take anything back.”
Matthew Ogle (VYPE)
To cap off her coaching career, Rochinski was recognized as the NFHS Coach of the Year minutes before the Title game which would see the Lions come out on top, yet again.
However, Rochinski will continue her career at Lake Creek, as an assistant athletic coordinator, while remaining in education and possibly some assistant coaching roles. She will now be given the opportunity to pass on her experience to other coaches.
What advice might she share?
“Well, they’ve got to stay strong,” Rochinski said. “Things are different than they used to be twenty-something years ago, but we ultimately do this for the kids. So, we always have to keep that in mind. Even though parents may not think that we’re right, we’re in it to do what’s best for the kids and the programs.”
Matthew Ogle (VYPE)
Back-to-back championships, a record of 138-4 over the past four years, and an array of collegiate athletes--Michelle Rochinski will go down as a coaching legend.
Now, it’s time for her to move on to the next phase of her career.
“I don’t think Lake Creek is done, softball-wise,” said Rochinski. “They’re still going to be a great team. I’m looking forward to being able to sit in the stands and cheer them on. When I dropped the news to them, I let them know that I’m going to be their biggest fan.”
“It’s going to be hard for a little bit. But, I think I’ve made the right decision and I just think it’s time.”
Zoe Rojas of Northbrook Softball
THE DO IT ALL KID: Rojas Sets Example For Raider Softball; School
Where does she find the time?
“Honestly, I don’t,” she said. “I pick and choose where I can fit all of them in one day. Maybe I’ll go to softball for an hour then powerlifting for 30 minutes then track for another 30 minutes. I try and get in as much as I can every week."
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
“It keeps me busy and out a lot of different things that go on during high school. It keeps me going and keeps my spirits up.”
Her first love is softball, which is at the apex of her life plan.
“Softball is my first love by far,” she said. “How much work you put into is how much you will get out of it. It’s really you against yourself. I love being on a team too, playing with all these amazing women. They have helped me grow in so many ways on and off the field.”
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
The four-year starter made her presence felt immediately for the Raiders.
“It was the first pitch of my first at-bat on varsity,” she said. “I hit a home run over the left-field fence. I will remember that forever.”
So, back to her life plan. While she is a star on her respective fields of play, Rojas is in the Top 5 percent of her graduating class, academically.
“I take all advanced classes and have my sights on playing softball at an Ivy League school,” she said. “My ultimate goal is to be an attorney.”
2022-23 Northbrook SoftballBradley C. Collier (VYPE)
“I have a lot of support from people who are helping me reach my goals, from my Dad, trainers, and softball coaches to all the people who work with me in Spring Spirit. They all play big roles in my life.”
With academics and athletics pulling her in several different directions, Rojas still has time for herself.
“I’m really into poetry and published three pieces in the seventh grade,” she said. “I’m publishing three more this year where I will read them at the Houston Fine Arts Museum.”
What can’t this kid do?