Josie Heacox has decided to step down as head coach of Ceres High School’s softball program.
The Ceres native/CHS special education teacher/2013 Central Catholic grad made the decision following the conclusion of the 2025 season.
“It was really hard to step away,” Heacox said. “But I want to focus on starting a family. The demands of a season didn’t leave much room for that step.”
Heacox coached the Bulldogs for one season.
She helped Ceres High continue its winning tradition.
Mike Corsaut, Heacox’s predecessor, led the Bulldogs to eight league titles and nine playoff appearances during his 11-year tenure (2019-24, 2002-06).
“Coaching meant the world to me,” Heacox said. “I didn’t feel a lot of pressure. I was given a very talented group.”
“I’m incredibly thankful for the players and community. They made the experience so special.”
Ceres High amassed an 18-10 overall record, claimed its third consecutive Western Athletic Conference title and participated in the playoffs for the fifth time in six years this spring.
No playoffs were held in 2019-20 due to safety concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Bulldogs completed their quest to three-peat as WAC champions this year.
Ceres High avenged a pair of losses while finishing in a three-way tie for first place in the conference standings with Beyer and Livingston during the regular season. The three teams compiled identical 12-2 records.
Ceres High also returned to the section playoffs.
“I’m so proud of them,” Heacox said. “They had two goals—to win league and make it to playoffs.”
It didn’t take long for Heacox to earn the respect and trust of her players.
Kylie Bond, Alizae Cole, Ava Montesdeoca, Tatianna Ortiz, Nani Sagapolu, Madeline Schultz, Bella Bravo, Elizabeth Figueroa, Gabriela Ortiz, Amaia Pritchett and Samantha Alcarez and Emma Hernandez made up Ceres High’s 13-person roster.
“I personally loved having coach Josie,” said Montesdeoca, who earned a scholarship to Stanislaus State. “She brought a lot of passion to the program and always tried her best to be the best coach she could be. Even though I only had her for one season, she made an impact on my softball journey. She believed in me and showed confidence in my abilities, which helped build my own confidence as a player. I’m grateful I got to experience having her as my coach.”
Heacox’s presence will be missed on the sidelines next season.
She connected with her players.
“I’d describe her as silly but in the best way,” commented Montesdeoca. “She tried to be strict, but her fun, light-hearted side always came through, and I loved that about her. She just loved to be a coach and show up wanting to win. She did her best to push us to be our best, and that motivated us to work hard and compete. What really makes her a great coach is her attitude. She’s a special education teacher, so after a full day of teaching, she still showed up to practice every day with positivity and dedication. That says a lot about her commitment and heart.”
Ceres High’s 2026 softball team will compete with a revamped roster as Cole, Montesdeoca, Bond, Sagapolu, Schultz and Tatianna Ortiz were lost to graduation in June.
“They’re going to do such great things on, and more importantly, off the field,” Heacox said. “I’ll always root for the team."
Heacox hasn’t ruled out coaching softball again at Ceres High.
She’s dedicated countless hours to the sport. Heacox was voted Most Valuable Player of the Western Athletic Conference during her senior year at Central Catholic.
She played four seasons of softball at the college level, including three at Cal State Bakersfield and one at Utah Valley University.
“I love softball,” she said. “I was a player for a long time. It was a cool experience being on the other side. I hope to come back when the time is right.”
