It's pretty rare to find a coach stick with any program for over 20 years, it's even more rare to have a winning percentage of over 78 percent. That's the case for Sierra College softball coach Darci Brownell who is currently in her final season with the Wolverines.

Brownell has coached the Wolverines for 27 years, 25 as head coach, and has led the program to a combined 869-243-2 record during her career. 

"I think it is many different items that contribute to the success," Brownell said. "The athletes, they are the ones that get to play the game.  We have always tried to recruit players that not only love to play the game but love to compete. Players always leave the program better than they found it, which makes for a legacy of success."

During her time at Sierra, the Wolverines won the state title in 2014 and have made the NorCal playoffs every year outside of the COVID seasons in 2020 and 2021. Brownell has had multiple assistant coaches over the years including Cortney Magorian and Rich Murray.

"I am so lucky to have had loyal assistants who have been there for the long haul," Brownell said. "They are invested in the future of the program. I have had over 10 players come back and coach with me over the years and today one past player, Gabby Gonzales, is coaching in Austria and seven different players are coaching at either high schools or colleges."

Prior to starting her career at Sierra College, Brownell coached for 10 years at Del Campo High School. Brownell played softball and basketball at Del Campo before attending Sac State and playing four years of college softball. She began playing softball when she was only 8. 

While there have been bumps along the way during her coaching career, Brownell mentioned that she never wanted to give it up.

"If we had a season that wasn't as productive it usually made me recruit even harder, learn more and attend more clinics," Brownell said. "Don't get me wrong, there are always days/moments when you have to ask yourself why you do it, but those days never defined my career. I would just work harder to make sure whatever was missing from our lineup one season was covered the next season."

One of those difficult moments for Brownell came on March 13, 2020, the day that the 2020 softball season was paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The team was 17-3 overall at the time and undefeated in the Big 8 Conference.

"At the beginning of Covid we all thought we were just taking some time off and coming right back, but a few weeks into it I think we all realized it was bigger than the game of softball and our year was over," Brownell said. "Many players had their final seasons come to an abrupt end. It very well could have changed their pathway in the game and in school."

There have been many amazing games and moments for Sierra softball over the years and Brownell has multiple moments that she looks back on. Some of those moments include the 2014 state championship team including an 11-9 12-inning loss to San Mateo and the state title game when Alexis Johnson hit a three-run homer.

"That 2014 team never gave up and last season's team was a lot like that 2014 team," Brownell said. "When we got to the postseason, we were enjoying every minute of it, even the losses, they fought until the very end last season. It is those moments that make up a career, not all good but they are teachable moments, and I wouldn't change a thing."

The Wolverines are currently 30-1, their greatest start under Brownell, and will look to return to the state title game yet again. 

Brownell has a piece of advice for anyone interested in becoming a high school or college softball coach.

"Enjoy the process, don't get caught up in the wins and losses," Brownell said. "Those will come and go but the process of helping student-athletes achieve a goal will last. Sometimes it involves small steps to achieve a small goal.  Enjoy the moments that add up to a career. If you are only worried about winning you will be disappointed a lot. Embrace the learning and teaching of the game of softball and get involved with growing the game. Lastly, surround yourself with good assistants, they will make your career."