Dickinson steps down as SHS softball coach

SANDPOINT — After a decade at the helm, Sandpoint softball head coach Derek Dickinson turned in his resignation this week.

Dickenson, who has three kids and has been the educational assistant at SHS for the past two years, said the time just felt right to step down after 10 years stewarding the program. The high level of commitment that coaching takes, coupled with a desire to pursue other professional goals, helped Dickinson make the tough decision.

“To get the program over the hump, a new face is probably what’s best,” said Dickinson. “I did some things I’m happy about. Working with the kids over the years, I’ll certainly miss that.”

Dickenson said his biggest regret was never taking a team to state, no easy task as North Idaho is a hotbed of softball and soccer and volleyball tend to be the marquee girls sports at SHS in terms of success.

“State was always a dream and a goal,” he said. “I don’t deem the 10 years a failure. The program is in a position to take that step.”

Dickinson wished to thank assistant coaches Gary Circo and Rusty Fitchett for helping during his tenure, and admits he’ll always have a soft spot in his heart for players like Macaela Brady, Kyra Crabb, Maggie Kirscher, Kyanna Quigley, Kym DaVault, Molly Givens and Rachel Hammack.

“I had great people in the program,” he said.

Sandpoint athletic director Kris Knowles will open up the position in the district soon, and go about finding a replacement. He said Dickinson told him it’s been a great run, but it’s time to focus on other things in his career.

“He always had a very even keel about him, never too high, never too low,” said Knowles. “We’ve been competitive the last two years.”