A program that has not had a lot of stability over the years, is hoping for just that, as the Seaside softball team enters another year with another coach.

Jessica Garrigues — who was at least on staff last season as an assistant coach — is the sixth head coach in six years for Seaside softball.

Garrigues takes over for Darren Ideue, who took over for Korie Blacker, who replaced co-coaches Jon Hotchkiss and Bill Westerholm, who took over for Jen Glasson following the 2015 season.

THE COWAPA

The 2019 season will be the perfect opportunity for Garrigues to build a strong program.

Seaside will have to replace Jetta Ideue in the pitcher’s circle, but the Gulls have all sorts of returning talent, from sophomores Kandice Flaigg and Gracie Rhodes, to junior catcher Sidney Owsley, to senior Alyssa Goin, one of just two seniors on the roster.

Meanwhile, the Cowapa League is down to just four teams. Defending league champion Scappoose is gone, as is Valley Catholic.

The league title could come down to Astoria and Banks, with Seaside and Tillamook looking to steal a few wins along the way. In just a four-team league, each team will play four games against the other three.

THE GULLS

Seaside had just three seniors last year, and there’s only two seniors on the 2019 roster, Goin and Brianna Hill. Goin will be a starter in the outfield, while Hill will hold down a spot in the left side of the infield.

The junior class includes Emma Brown at first base, outfielder Candice Kerr, pitcher/outfielder Emma Meyer and catcher Sidney Owsley.

In addition to Flaigg and Rhodes, the talented sophomore class has Zoey Alexander and Brianna Boyd, who can play the infield or outfield.

The Gulls have two freshmen on the varsity roster — Tara Lair and catcher/pitcher Erin Owsley.

Former Seaside baseball coach Joel Diericks will serve as Garrigues’ assistant coach.

SEASIDE SOFTBALL

Coach: Jessica Garrigues, 1st year

2018: 8-13 (3-12 Cowapa)

Playoffs: None

Key loss: Jetta Ideue

Key returners: Kandice Flaigg, So., Alyssa Goin, Sr., Gracie Rhodes, So.