News Summary

Coach Steve Harms will step down after the 2025 season, concluding an impressive eight-year tenure with the Wilsonville Wildcats softball team. Under his leadership, the team transformed from struggling to becoming a powerhouse, winning four consecutive Northwest Oregon Conference titles and achieving remarkable playoff success. Harms reflects fondly on his time, emphasizing the community aspect of coaching and the strong bonds formed with players and staff. As he looks forward to new adventures, the legacy he leaves behind will continue to inspire future athletes.

Exciting Changes Ahead for Wilsonville Softball!

In thrilling news from Wilsonville, the beloved head coach of the Wilsonville softball program, Steve Harms, has announced he will be stepping down after the 2025 season. This marks the end of an impressive eight-year journey filled with victories, growth, and community spirit.

A Passion for the Game

At 61, Harms reflected on his incredible time with the team, expressing his deep love for high school softball and the special bond he has formed with the Wilsonville community. He noted that there’s something uniquely rewarding about coaching high school athletes compared to club programs. However, the decision to resign wasn’t an easy one for him. Harms feels it’s time to move on, even though he still has the energy and passion to continue coaching.

Turning the Program Around

When Harms first took on the role of head coach, the Wilsonville Wildcats softball team faced significant challenges. Under his leadership, the team transformed into a true powerhouse, clinching an impressive four consecutive Northwest Oregon Conference (NWOC) titles from 2021 through 2024. During this remarkable stretch, the Wildcats reached the Class 5A state quarterfinals every year and even made it to the state championship game in 2022.

With a remarkable overall record of 81 wins and 26 losses, and an impressive league record of 54 wins against only 4 losses during that time, Harms guided his squad to become a name to be reckoned with in the world of high school softball. His personal coaching record at Wilsonville stands at 114 wins and 74 losses, showcasing a notable legacy of excellence with five appearances in the 5A state playoffs.

Foundation of Growth

Harms began his coaching career coaching his three daughters in youth softball, and he later took on the role of Director of Youth Softball in Wilsonville. His transition to high school varsity coach came at a challenging time, with the program experiencing instability due to multiple head coaches leaving in quick succession. Harms’s dedication became a lifeline for the athletes, and he took on the challenge with open arms.

During his tenure, he often emphasized the importance of providing stability, especially when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. This unique time allowed Harms to reflect on the essential role that coaching plays in athletes’ lives, strengthening his resolve to stay with the program longer than he had initially intended.

Community Connections

Harms fondly reminisced about the strong connections he has built with players and assistant coaches throughout the years. The camaraderie among the coaching staff and the enthusiasm from the community has made his time coaching truly special. He often highlighted the key contributions of the many athletes and coaches who played a role in the success of the program, showing that it was not just his leadership but a collective effort that fostered the winning culture in Wilsonville.

With exceptionally talented players like pitcher Maddie Erickson, the 2022 team boasted an astounding 17-0 record in conference play, proving that the foundation laid under Harms was one of true excellence.

A Future Filled with New Adventures

As Harms prepares for this new chapter in his life, he looks forward to spending more time traveling with his wife, Thereasa, as their daughters have grown and left home. Together, they run Crown Landscape and Aurora Nursery, and as they move forward, he holds onto hopes for the future of Wilsonville softball. Harms believes there is immense potential for further growth, and he takes pride in having established Wilsonville as a prominent name in high school softball.

Although it’s bittersweet to leave behind a program he loves, Harms has expressed heartfelt gratitude for the support from the community, the amazing athletes he’s coached, and the valuable lessons he’s learned throughout his time at Wilsonville.

As Wilsonville softball gears up for the next season, there’s certainty that Coach Harms’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations of athletes, bringing with it a sense of excitement and expectation for what comes next.

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