KRISTIN GRUBBS (above left) managed the Lady Panthers varsity softball team in 2012 and 2013.

Kristin Grubbs is back as manager of the Benicia High varsity softball team.

Grubbs, who managed the Lady Panthers from 2012-13, was unceremoniously fired one week before the opening of the 2013 Sac-Joaquin Section Division II playoffs. Replacement Jeana Gevas led the Lady Panthers to the school’s first Sac-Joaquin Section softball championship in 2014 but left the program after only one historic season. Now Grubbs has returned more eager than ever to manage Benicia.

“I was ecstatic to get a second opportunity,” Grubbs said. “It’s a new adventure. I can’t wait ‘til we step on the field for our first practice and our first game.”

The awkward firing of Grubbs in 2013 – and the way it was subsequently handled by school officials – created an uproar among Lady Panther players and parents, who had a lot to say during public comment at a Benicia Unified School District meeting. Grubbs led the Lady Panthers to a pair of Solano County Athletic Conference championships, going 15-0 in 2013 and 14-1 in 2012. Benicia had won 20 straight games prior to Grubbs getting fired.

But Grubbs and athletic director Craig Holden say they have no hard feelings about past grievances.

“We hired the best candidate that came forward and we’re excited about the direction she’s going to lead us,” Holden said.

“I wasn’t apprehensive,” Grubbs said. “I really love the game and the Benicia softball community. I’m just really glad to be back working with these kids and trying to achieve a common goal.

“I’ve had a year off to reflect and I got a lot of support from the Benicia softball community. It was one of those things where the time was right and it just happened to work out in my favor. I owe a lot to (BHS principal) Damon Wright and Craig Holden for giving me this second chance and putting their faith in me to continue the legacy that we’ve had the past few years.”

Grubbs inherits a program fresh off its first Section championship. The Lady Panthers went 21-5 under Gevas last year, though many of their corps players graduated last spring. Grubbs is only a year removed as Benicia manager and is familiar with several players.

“I know a majority of the players, but there are a lot of freshmen coming into the program,” Grubbs said. “We’re transitioning right now, but I like what I see and I think we’ll be competitive again this year and hopefully get back to that championship game. That’s the goal.”

“She’s a P.E. teacher here and an on-campus coach, and that helps,” Holden said. “She sees her kids all day and knows the vibe.”

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