Chris Kozlowski resigns as Port Huron softball coach
PORT HURON – One of the area’s longest-tenured high school softball coaches has ended his career.
Port Huron’s Chris Kozlowski retired last month after 13 seasons. The Red Hawks achieved a 151-142 record under his leadership, including six winning seasons and a MAC Gold championship in 2013.
“I’ve always loved being around the kids,” said Kozlowski, who is also a school teacher and will remain in that position. “It was always fun. That last group of athletes that I had, I had eight of them for almost four years, and it just seemed like the right time to step away. I stuck it out with that last group, and at that moment, it just seemed right — to step away with those kids.”
Kozlowski added, “I was honored to be surrounded by so many great student-athletes. I can never say it’s about me. It’s been an honor and a privilege to be around these kids.”
Assistant coach Ryan Mullins will take over the program.
“I’ve really enjoyed the experience I’ve had working with the team this year and have seen a lot of positives,” Mullins said. “That’s why I was very interested in the position. Since my daughter Bryn plays on the team, it made a lot of sense for me and my family to stay involved in the program.”
The highlight of Kozlowski’s tenure was a five-year stretch from 2012 to 2016. During that time, Port Huron achieved a 72-39 record and never had a losing season.
“There are so many wonderful memories,” Kozlowski said. “One of them I can’t put a number on is the girls were really excited when they beat (Port Huron) Northern for the first time in a long time. They won a league title, which hadn’t happened in years. I never put anything on myself, it’s always the kids. For me, it’s just about seeing them succeed.
“We won a district game, which hadn’t happened in a long time. So when they got those things – just seeing the smiles on their faces when they accomplished something they wanted to – that was the highlight (of my career). Just seeing the kids succeed and be happy about what they were doing.”
Even when the Red Hawks were struggling, the longtime coach urged his team to look at the bigger picture.
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“Sports are not easy at all,” Kozlowski said. “So I really tried to encourage the girls to give 100%, support each other and just do the best they can. Winning is great, but develop what you take away from it and who you become because of it.”
“If it makes you better and you can be a better leader and teacher for someone, then you’ve been successful. Because not everyone gets the opportunity to play sports at the next level. But you can be a leader, a teacher, a supporter – you can do something for someone else besides playing sports.”
It’s an approach Mullins wants to continue.
“I know there are a lot of — not just good softball players — but really quality individual players, good students and just good people (in this program),” Mullins said. “I want to be a part of that. I just want to focus on each individual person and their positives and build on that.”
After all his years in the program, Kozlowski will continue to support the Red Hawks even if he is not at third base.
“I’m going to miss (coaching),” Kozlowski said. “And I’m going to miss the kids. That’s really the only regret I have. But I think over the years, after doing it for so long, it’s held a special place with me and I’ll never forget it. I’ll always think of (the kids) and support them any way I can.”
Contact Brenden Welper at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @BrendenWelper.
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