PALM DESERT, Calif. -- College of the Desert Athletics has officially named Garrett Estrin as the new head coach for the school's softball program.  Estrin will be taking over a team that finished its 2016 season with an 8-25-1 overall record.

"I am extremely excited and grateful for this opportunity," said Estrin.  "I also want to thank our athletic director, Gary Plunkett, and the entire hiring committee for granting me this position."

Estrin was a standout baseball player at PSHS through his graduation in 1995, and was one of the leading senior hitters in Riverside County.  He was named to the All-DVL Team, while also being voted as the Team MVP.  As a youth, Estrin attended baseball camps under the guidance of legendary Jim Brock from ASU, as well Augie Garrido, formerly of CSUF.  Following graduation, Estrin attended Fresno State as a preferred walk-on to continue playing baseball. In 2014, he was awarded MVP of the PSHS Alumni Baseball Game that was played against the current varsity squad. 

Estrin's first baseball coaching stop was at West Torrance in 1998, where he was an assistant with the freshman and sophomore team.  He then served as a summer ball varsity assistant at PSHS in 2002, before then coaching as the freshman and sophomore team assistant from 2010-11.  

Estrin started coaching youth softball in 2007 at the Palm Springs Youth League, while also leading the U8 and U12 All-Star teams.  During his last two years with the PDYL, he was the area softball coordinator for the MLB's Pitch, Hit and Run Program.  This past season, Estrin served as the co-head coach of the RMHS junior varsity softball program.  

This will be the second Lady Roadrunners program that Estrin will lead, as he also serves as the head coach of  the women's soccer squad.