They can look across the softball diamond at each other and know what the other one is thinking. American River College softball coaches Lisa and Darin Delgado are siblings with a shared passion for the game.
Growing up, the Delgado siblings played many sports. Lisa played volleyball, basketball and softball while Darin was involved with football, baseball and basketball.
Lisa is an older sister to Darin and said the two were close growing up.
“We were very close growing up and we supported each other. I was his biggest fan,” said Lisa.
Both Darin and Lisa played at the College of the Siskiyous. Lisa played basketball and softball while Darin played baseball.
After their respective playing careers at community colleges, Lisa went on to play softball while Darin played baseball at Chico State University.
Their coaching career together started at Butte College, where Lisa was coaching and Darin came out to host batting practice.
Slowly, they became a unit.
Lisa began coaching softball at ARC in 2003, but says what brought her to Sacramento was her brother who was living in the area at the time.
“I’m in Sacramento because of Darin. If Darin wasn’t in Sacramento I wouldn’t have applied (to ARC),” said Lisa.
While Lisa is the head coach for ARC’s softball program, she was her brother’s assistant coach from 2008 to 2011 for a local competitive softball team, the California Breeze.
“We reminisce about the Breeze a lot. Coaching 65 games plus and traveling to places like Colorado, Tennessee and Georgia. It’s also really cool because a lot of the kids we coached have moved on to the highest level,” added Lisa.
In regards to coaching, there is an uncanny amount of understanding between the siblings.
“We can look at each other and know what the other is thinking,” said Lisa.
“It’s all about respect for us. We get along really well and I feel that’s what most coaches lack and since we’re siblings we have that mutual respect and trust in each other and it’s awesome because it’s not a job for us it’s fun.” added Darin.
The siblings spend just as much time together off the field as they do on it.
“We’re very family orientated. Our parents have been at the last eight out of 10 games this season and as for me and Darin … out of 100 days there might be a five minute period where we disagree,” said Lisa.
Both Lisa and Darin have high expectations for their players and they have everything managed between each other.
“He works infield and I work outfield and he takes lead on batting and it all works out,” added Lisa.
Lisa says the two are always trying to improve their craft.
“ESPN is always on at my house and we’re both always watching softball together, always learning, always growing, and always coming up with new ideas,” said Lisa.
