The year Jerry Mullin took over as Seton Catholic Prep’s softball coach, the Minnesota Twins ended up winning their first World Series title, Mark McGwire hit a then-rookie record 49 home runs and Texas A&M won the last of the NCAA’s first six Division I College Softball World Series held in Omaha.
That was 1987.
Mullin has announced his coaching retirement after 38 years at the helm of the Sentinels softball program, leaving behind an incredible legacy both on and off the field.
“I want to thank Coach Mullin for his dedication and passion for Seton Catholic and the softball program for nearly 40 years,” Principal Victor Serna said in a news release. “He has been a strong supporter and professor of our Catholic values and mission, as well as being a pillar of our community no matter what role he has served. I am grateful for his continued support as he will remain a member of our counseling department.”
Mullin arrived at Seton in 1985 and took over the softball program for the 1986-87 school year, transforming it into a small-school powerhouse by the mid-90s. The Sentinels won 10 state titles between 1996 to 2010.
Mullin’s teams added 14 regional titles, with the latest coming in the 2021 season. He has been named region coach of the year eight times, an all-star coach three times, and was twice named Arizona small-schools coach of the year.
His career culminated with his induction into the Arizona High School Coaches Hall of Fame in 2023.
“The first word that comes to mind when I think about Coach Mullin’s career? Legendary,” Seton athletic director Jim Shewbridge said. “He has been the heart and soul of Seton Catholic softball for nearly four decades. His leadership and dedication to Seton will surely be missed.”
Many former Sentinels went on to compete at the next level, including 2023 graduate Sierra Daniel, who just wrapped up her freshman season at Louisiana State University.
In addition to the successes on the field, his program has also been honored in the form of academic and sportsmanship awards for his players and the program itself.
Karen Self, the Seton girls basketball coach since the early 90s, praised Mullin, who she’s worked beside for about 30 years.
“I want to congratulate Jerry on his incredible career and thank him for his guidance and the exceptional standard he has set for everyone,” Self said. “There are just no words to express what he means to the Seton community. He leaves an incredible legacy and I feel so blessed to have worked beside him for over 30 years.”
Mullin has also been a part of Seton Catholic’s faculty during his coaching career and will continue to serve as a school counselor.
Seton is currently searching for his replacement as it heads into the 2024-25 school year.
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