Marble Falls softball team gets new head coach

JENNIFER FIERRO • PICAYUNE STAFF

MARBLE FALLS — Chelsey Heller is the new head softball coach at Marble Falls High School.

Athletic director Todd Dodge announced the hire July 22.

“She’s very qualified,” he said. “She’s a seven-year veteran and has head coaching experience at three different schools. She was the best candidate who applied for the job.”

Heller was the head coach at Ballinger, Early and Comanche and played softball for Howard Payne University.

She guided Early to the 2010 state tournament and a district title in 2011 and lead Comanche to a regional final in 2013.

Heller was approved for hire as the top girls basketball assistant coach for girls athletic coordinator and head basketball coach Chris Jost on July 1.

But once Heller knew the Lady Mustangs were searching for a head softball coach after the July 8 resignation of Tino Salazar, she asked to be considered for that position.

“Regardless of the time, Chelsey was an outstanding candidate,” the athletic director said. “It was one of those things where we had a top candidate fall right into our laps. We were very fortunate because we weren’t going to get that caliber in the middle of the summer very often. We’re very fortunate we have.”

Now that Heller will take over the softball program, she will be a volleyball assistant coach, Dodge said, adding Jost is searching for an assistant coach for the girls basketball program and cross country team.

Dodge also has been interviewing candidates for head boys soccer coach. Michael Nave resigned July 15 to become the head coach at Pflugerville High.

“We wish Mike Nave the best of luck,” Dodge said. “We appreciate the job he’s done. We look forward to taking the next step in our soccer program.”

jfierro@thepicayune.com