Milford softball coach Jim Rines, shown here celebrating his 300th career win a couple of years ago, has stepped down. (Courtesy file photo)

MILFORD – A coaching legend in Milford-Souhegan high school softball circles is stepping down.

The Spartans of Milford are currently seeking a new softball coach after Jim Rines is stepping down after 26 seasons of coaching high school and college softball.

Rines guided the Spartans to back-to-back titles in 2016-17 after an illustrious career at the helm of Souhegan from 1994-2008. He has a career record of 335-88, with three state titles, four Divison II Coach of the Year or Co-Coach of the Year awards. His player success includes four Player of the Year award winners, three Pitchers of The Year and 115 All Sate Players

He has coached at Milford since 2014; in between the Souhegan and Milford jobs he was an assistant at Plymouth State.

Rines said he simply wants to devote more time to his family and endeavors away from the field, although he’ll continue with some non-high school softball, continuing to coach his Travel USA softball team and continue to be the president and director of operations for the New England Diamond Gems.

“After 26 Seasons of coaching high school and college softball I decided to retire to spend time with my grand kids and family also to build my landscaping business,” Rines said in an email. “It has been a pleasure and honor to have coached all the student athletes from Souhegan , Milford and Plymouth State University over the past 26 years.

“I want to thank all my past assistant coaches for all there outstanding service , mentor ship and knowledge given to our athletes. I appreciate all of them.”

Rines said he also appreciated the support he had from his high school bosses.

“I am thankful to have worked for two hall of fame athletic directors Bill Dod and Marc Mauris,” he said. “I thank both of them for all there hard work ,dedication and there commitment to athletics.”

At Souhegan, Rines in addition to his 2003 team’s Class I title, was a state runnerup three times. His Spartan team was a runnerup once.

At Milford, Maurais said, “Coach Rines was a highly accomplished,

motivated, and hard working coach.

“He prepared many young women to

succeed at the collegiate level. … His teams were fundamentally solid.

I’ve enjoyed working

with him throughout the years and wish him the best.”

There are some things Rines says he’ll miss, others he won’t.

“I have enjoyed the great competition through out our divisions and had a great experience coaching against all my colleagues from other schools.” he said. “I have met so many amazing people , and I will miss riding the umpires haha – they all have been outstanding and are good friends. I will not miss riding the bus.”

What’s next for Milford? Maurais is currently seeking a successor, and has about a month to do it. Those interested can send a cover letter and resume

to : Marc Maurais, Athletic Director, Milford High School , via

email at Marc.Maurais@milfordk12.org.

“I wish all schools the best of luck in the future,” Rines said.

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