Long-standing Seton Catholic high softball coach Jerry Mullin has announced his retirement after 38 years. Mullin, regarded as one of the best high school coaches in the state and has been inducted into the Arizona High School Coaches Hall of Fame (2013).
Mullin first arrived at Seton in 1985 and took the reins of the softball program during the 1986-87 season. He molded the small-school program into a softball power house and won 10 state titles between 1996 and 2010. He holds the most state titles of any coach in Arizona, leading Seton to 2A state titles in 1996, 1997, 1998 and 1999; 3A state titles in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005; and 4A-II state titles in 2009 and 2010. Mullin has never lost a title game.
On top of his hardware collection, Mullin led the Sentinels to 14 regional titles, winning his last in 2021. He was named Region Coach of the Year eight times, All-Star Coach three times, and Small-School Coach of the Year twice.
“Legendary,” is the first word that came to Athletic Director Jim Shewbridge’s mind when asked about Mullin. “He has been the heart and soul of Seton Catholic softball for nearly four decades. A lot of athletes went on to compete at the next level, including 2023 graduate Sierra Daniel who is playing for LSU. His leadership and dedication to Seton Catholic Prep will surely be missed.
“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. “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.”
The success and influence Mullin’s had stretched beyond the field, however. Mullin’s has been a counselor during his tenure at Seton and he will remain as such despite stepping down as softball coach.
“I want to congratulate Jerry on his incredible career and thank him for his guidance and the exceptional standard he has set for everyone,” said girls head basketball coach Karen Self, who has worked alongside Mullin since the 90s.
“There are just no words to express what he means to the Seton community,” she said. “He leaves an incredible legacy and I feel so blessed to have worked beside him for over 30 years.”
A staple to the Seton community, his success may never be replicated, but his legacy will be forever cemented with the program and school. Seton is currently searching for a replacement for the 2024-25 school year.
