School: Tulare Western

He's qualified because: Seventh-year coach directed the Mustangs to the school’s first Central Section softball title, capped by a 3-2 victory over Golden West in Division II final.

A season after going 14-14 with virtually the same team (only one starter changed), Bullock led Tulare Western to a 27-7 mark, the most wins in school history.

After an unexpected and disappointing 2-1 loss to Monache, the Mustangs bounced back to win 16 of their final 17 games, including the last 12 to unseat city rival Tulare as East Yosemite League and D-II champions.

He said it: “They just had a little more maturity this season. They had a goal in mind. They told me at the first practice of the season they were going to win Valley, and they sure enough did. I think they just had confidence in themselves.” — Bullock

She said it: “Steve is the most amazing guy. He’s an awesome coach. He brings so much excitement to the game. All the girls love him. He really does a great job with us. We knew what we wanted to accomplish this season and he helped us with our batting and our fielding, anything he could do for us, he did.” — Tulare Western pitcher Brianne Hardman