Ted Holcomb is the co-Head Coach of Wildcats-Holcomb/Knight 14U, which is one of the top club teams in So Cal and recognized on a national scale.

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LINE DRIVE SOFTBALL: What’s your athletics background and how did you get to the point of leading the team/organization?

TED HOLCOMB: Was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers out of high school and played in their minor league system for five years. With three daughters (Jamie Holcomb, Jenna Holcomb and Julie Holcomb), I was forced into coaching softball. I was reluctant at first, but now I love the game more than baseball. (It’s) much faster-paced and more exciting to coach. (My) daughters played for Rob Weil in high school and he is the one that got me into coaching with the Firecrackers and Wildcats.

LD SOFTBALL: When did the team start and how did it come to be?

TH: I started working with a lot of these kids, training them during Covid when they were 12 (years old). (I) was coaching at the 16U level at the time, but fell in love with this group and started a 12U team. Now, coach (Gregg) Knight and I gave up the 16U team to focus on this talented group and will take them to 16s with us next year, then pass them on to coach Rob Weil the year after for 18s.

LD SOFTBALL: Where are you based? Where do your athletes come from?

TH: We practice out of Los Alamitos High, but have players from all over Southern California.

LD SOFTBALL: What was the purpose of creating the team?

TH: Develop them for 16s so we can get them all scholarships. Most of the 16U players we coached are either playing in college now or are already committed.

LD SOFTBALL: How many teams are there in the organization overall?

TH: We formed the Wildcats to have a small intimate group with just a few quality teams at every level. We try and limit it to five teams per age group. With a small group, the head of the organization knows the girls by name from the 12U level up.

LD SOFTBALL: What have been some of your successes in terms of winning or placing at events?

TH: This team won three Triple Crown Tournaments at 12U, came in 5th at PGF Nationals Premier and 5th at (Triple Crown) Nationals. 14U-8th at PGF Premier Nationals (this summer). (We) have picked up some new impact players this year that should take them to the top.

LD SOFTBALL: What makes the organization unique?

TH: Most of these girls have been with each other since first year 12s when they started travel ball. It’s unique to find kids these days that are loyal and committed to one team. The chemistry this team has is off the charts. It’s truly a sisterhood with this group. They are all best friends and hang out on and off the field.

LD SOFTBALL: What is your primary focus or goal with this team?

TH: The goal is to compete for a national title this year. They have come close a couple (of) times, but feel this year they have all the tools to make it happen. Long-term goal is to get these girls scholarships.

LD SOFTBALL: What do you think are the strengths of the team?

TH: Chemistry. They have played together for four years and know each other better then any team we’ve coached. Teams with chemistry all seem to win in the end.

LD SOFTBALL: Was there a former coach, player or person in the organization that has left a major impression on your team/organization and why?

TH: The head of our organization and 18U Gold coach is Rob Weil. He is a legendary coach that has won many PGF national titles and High school titles at Los Alamitos High. (He) has been named Coach of the Year many times and is in OC Coaches Hall of Fame. He is very involved with this group and coaches many of them in high school.