One of the most successful high school softball coaches in recent history has stepped down.
Amy Rocha resigned as Salpointe Catholic's head coach following seven seasons and three state championships, athletic director Phil Gruensfelder confirmed Sunday; she will be replaced by former Lancers standout Tricia Garigan Sztan.
Hired in 2015, Rocha won three state championships (2018, '19, '21); last season's team went a perfect 24-0. Rocha was named the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Republic's Softball Coach of the Year following the '21 season.Â
As a player, Rocha won two state championships in 1993 and '96 with the Lancers before playing for Mike Candrea at the UA.Â
Sztan is a 1994 Salpointe grad who played collegiately at Regis University. As a senior, she was named the Star's Class 5A Southern ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ pitcher of the year.
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The Lancers open their season on March 1 at Sabino.Â
Photos: Salpointe wins 2021 4A State High School Softball Championship
4A State Championship: Salpointe vs. Vista Grande
The Salpointe Catholic Lancers meet fellow teammate Alyssa Aguilar, 44, after Aguilar's home run during Salpointe Catholic's 5-4 win over Vista Grande in 4A State Softball Championship at Rita Hillenbrand Memorial Stadium.
4A State Championship: Salpointe vs. Vista Grande
While holding up the 4A State Softball Championship trophy, Salpointe Catholic Lancers celebrate their 5-4 win over Vista Grande in 4A State Softball Championship at Rita Hillenbrand Memorial Stadium.
4A State Championship: Salpointe vs. Vista Grande
Salpointe's Taiya Texeria, 13, jumps in the air screaming after sliding to home plate during Salpointe Catholic's 5-4 win over Vista Grande in AIA's 4A State Softball Championship at Rita Hillenbrand Memorial Stadium.
4A State Championship: Salpointe vs. Vista Grande
The Salpointe Catholic Lancers huddle around home plate with the trophy following their 5-4 win over Vista Grande in 4A State Softball Championship at Rita Hillenbrand Memorial Stadium.
4A State Championship: Salpointe vs. Vista Grande
Salpointe's Alyssa Aguilar, 44, holds the trophy while posing for a group photo with her teammates after Salpointe Catholic's 5-4 win over Vista Grande in 4A State Softball Championship at Rita Hillenbrand Memorial Stadium.
4A State Championship: Salpointe Catholic vs Vista Grande
Yannixa Acuna, 21, slides to third base during Salpointe Catholic's 5-4 win over Vista Grande in the 4A State Softball Championship at Rita Hillenbrand Memorial Stadium.
4A State Championship: Salpointe Catholic vs Vista Grande
Yannixa Acuna, 21, catches a fly ball during Salpointe Catholic's 5-4 win over Vista Grande in the 4A State Softball Championship at Rita Hillenbrand Memorial Stadium.
4A State Championship: Salpointe Catholic vs Vista Grande
Salpointe's Alyssa Aguilar, 44, rounds second base during her home run lap in the 6th inning of Salpointe Catholic's 5-4 win over Vista Grande in the 4A State Softball Championship at Rita Hillenbrand Memorial Stadium.
4A State Championship: Salpointe Catholic vs Vista Grande
Salpointe's Krista Martinez, 77, and Yannixa Acuna, 21, clash while attempting to catch a fly ball during Salpointe Catholic's 5-4 win over Vista Grande in the 4A State Softball Championship at Rita Hillenbrand Memorial Stadium.
Contact sports producer Justin Spears at 573-4312 or jspears@tucson.com. On Twitter: @JustinESports
Justin Spears
Sports Reporter
