Katie Stith of JSerra Named Coach of the Year by The Times

Katie Stith, who leads the softball program at JSerra High School, is basking in the limelight as she earns recognition as The Times’ coach of the year for 2026. This achievement marks a proud moment in her career, allowing her to step out from the shadow of her father, the esteemed Mike Stith, a well-known figure in club softball coaching.

In her eighth season at JSerra, Katie has successfully steered her team to their inaugural Southern Section Division 1 championship. Competing in Southern California’s highly competitive Division 1 circuit, she faced formidable opponents, including powerhouse teams like Norco, Orange Lutheran, and Murrieta Mesa.

Under her guidance, JSerra finished the season with an impressive record of 25-8, navigating a challenging regular-season schedule and emerging victorious in the playoffs. Key contributions came from standout players, particularly pitcher Liliana Escobar and catcher Annabel Raftery, who played crucial roles in the team’s success throughout the season.

With this accolade, Katie Stith joins the ranks of distinguished coaches while highlighting her own journey in the world of softball, where the influence of family legacy meets personal achievement.