St. Francis softball coach Mike Oakland is retiring, ending a run as coach of one of the best teams in Northern California, the school announced.
“It has been a privilege of mine to teach and coach at Saint Francis High School for the past two decades,” Oakland said in a press release. “I am deeply grateful to every athlete, parent, assistant coach, administrator, colleague and supporter who has been part of this incredible journey. The wins and championships were special, but the relationships built along the way have been the true reward. Although I’m ending my coaching career, I’m grateful to remain part of the Lancer community and serve the school in new ways.”
Oakland took over the softball team in 2017 and helped rebuild the program into one of the best in the area, winning several West Catholic Athletic League championships and Central Coast Section titles during his time, including the 2022 CIF NorCal Division I championship. The Lancers finished 26-5 last season, with a share of the WCAL title and have consistently competed for top honors in the Bay Area and Northern California.
Oakland coached his eldest daughter, Jessica, who later went on to play at Duke University, and Jamie, an incoming freshman playing for the University of Nebraska, according to the school. Before coaching softball, Oakland served as the head coach of the baseball team and won several WCAL and CCS titles after arriving from coaching at the college level.