CITY COLLEGE TIMES: What sparked your interest in coaching softball?
COACH HUNTZE-ROONEY: I played the sport. I was very interested in it. I had the opportunity to give back to my players and student athletes. I am glad to have the chance to do that.
CITY COLLEGE TIMES: How long have you been coaching at San Jose City College?
COACH HUNTZE -ROONEY: It is my 24th year.
CITY COLLEGE TIMES: What are the highlights of coaching SJCC Lady Jaguars softball?
COACH HUNTZE-ROONEY: I enjoy coaching the student-athletes here at SJCC because they are dedicated to this school and softball program. They have a good work ethic, desire to compete, work as a team and stay together as a family both on and off the field. The growth that happens to these young ladies in two year is what I am most proud of as they work through the trials and tribulations on the field and in the classroom. They spend countless hours together at school in the classroom, study sessions, and on the softball field and they learn how to get along and work with one another. I am proud of them when they transfer from SJCC to the four-year universities and get their degrees and continue into the working world.
This year’s team is one that gets along well. They respect each other and know what it takes to work hard to be successful with their academics and athletics.
I am fortunate to have a strong coaching staff with all three assistant coaches, former SJCC student-athletes. They bring positive energy, strong work ethic, competitive spirit and never give up attitude. They connect well with the players as they share their knowledge of the game of softball.
CITY COLLEGE TIMES: Which moments are you proud of from the past years?
COACH HUNTZE-ROONEY: In 2007, the team went undefeated in conference play with record of 22-0, Coast Conference Champions, went to the State Tournament where the team was the top eight in the state, 2008- Coast Conference Champions and fifth in the state.
• Won eight Coast Conference Championships (five in a row/2007-2011)
• National Fast Pitch Coaches Association-Academic Excellence-Top 10 in the nation with GPA of 3.357 in 2011-12, No. 1 in California.
• Last year’s team (2013-14) was No. 1 in the state and top 20 in the Nation with a GPA of 3.069.
Fun facts about Coach Huntze-Rooney:
1. Favorite movie: “Proposal”
2. Favorite meal: Mexican food
3. Favorite color: Purple, of course.
4. Hobbies: Spending time with my family, hiking, water skiing and reading.
5. Colleges attended: West Valley Community College, Chico State University and Azusa Pacific University
