Not many coaches stick around with one school for 23 years. Fewer still, find as much success as Maple Grove softball coach Jim Koltes. Koltes has been with the program since practically the turn of the century and last week, he became the 28th coach in Minnesota softball history to tally his 400th career victory.
“I feel really blessed. I’ve had some unbelievable talent,” said Koltes on getting to 400.
Koltes brings a positive attitude and his reassurance helps bring out the best in his student-athletes. “He’s really nice and he’s always amped up. It’s nice to play for him,” said Lauren Beissel.
“When I get down on myself, he is the first one to pick me up. He’s the first one to get the team going and I really appreciate that about him as a coach. He seems like he cares about us and he’s a great coach,” said Ruby Gouette.
Koltes started in the district as an assistant baseball coach for Osseo before spending four years as a softball coach at Northview Junior High School. Koltes was already the coach for the Crimson’s girls’ hockey program and when the Maple Grove softball job opened up, former Activities Director Mark Corless gave Koltes the call.
“He (Corless) said you know, they’re six and 102, so there’s really no pressure,” Koltes said on getting the phone call.
During his first season, the Crimson went 10-12 and his record never dipped below .500 ever again. Since then, Maple Grove softball has made nine appearances at the Minnesota State High School League State Softball Tournament, winning it all in 2019.
Koltes picked up win number 400 in style, a 14-1 win over crosstown rival Osseo on April 24. What made the moment even more special for Jim was that he got 400 in front of his father, Ron Koltes.
“He (Ron) comes over to a lot of the games now and it’s been great seeing him here,” said Jim Koltes . “When I was playing he was always at events and it was great to have him here today.”
Helping out along the way for the previous 22 years has been assistant coach Pam Hennen. Their passion for the kids and a shared competitive spirit have made Hennen and Koltes a dynamic duo. Assistant coaches Kurt Maus and Joe Head make up a top-tier coaching staff with Hennen and Koltes.
“He is such a hard worker,” said Hennen on what it’s like to work with Koltes. “He does so many things to make the experiences extra special for the kids and he works in the summer to learn new things and brings those back to the team.”
In 23 seasons with Maple Grove softball, Koltes has a record of 400-146 with 12 regular season games to go in 2024. Once the calendar flips to June, the Crimson have aspirations to add another state tournament appearance to the ledger.
Most Popular
Comments / 0