Hamilton High School has named Derek Thomas as its new head softball coach, filling the vacancy left by Steve Heckman, who retired after a storied 34‑year tenure. Thomas, who served as Heckman’s assistant for several seasons, brings an intimate knowledge of the program’s culture and a commitment to continuing its tradition of excellence.
Athletic director Missy Harvey praised Thomas for his dedication to player development and his deep understanding of the school’s long‑standing values. Under her leadership, the department has emphasized not only athletic success but also community involvement, a focus that Thomas says will remain central to the program’s identity.
The softball team finished the 2026 season with a 16‑10 overall record and a 13‑5 mark in the Greater Miami Conference, underscoring the program’s continued competitiveness. Harvey highlighted that Thomas’s appointment is part of a broader effort to sustain the program’s winning legacy while fostering growth among its young athletes.
A Legacy Replaced, A New Era Begins
Steve Heckman’s departure marks the end of an era that produced 474 career wins, three state tournament appearances (2001, 2002, 2006) and five GMC Coach of the Year honors. His impact on the school’s athletic landscape is described by many as foundational, setting a high bar for the coaches who followed.
In the baseball department, the school has turned to Curtus Moak, a 1998 graduate and member of the 1997 state championship team, to lead the program after Josh Sams stepped down. Moak’s playing career at the University of Cincinnati included a program‑record 99 career appearances over four seasons, and he was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in 2001, later playing in the minor leagues for the Fargo‑Moorhead Redhawks and Modesto A’s.
Harvey expressed enthusiasm about Moak’s return, noting his passion for baseball, his coaching experience, and his commitment to community engagement. Moak has said he plans to reconnect the program with local fans, develop players’ character on and off the field, and work toward establishing an annual contender mindset for the team.
The baseball squad finished the 2026 season with a 10‑17 record, marking the end of a stretch that saw its last winning season in 2024 and a previous winning campaign in 2021. While the recent record reflects a rebuilding phase, Moak’s vision emphasizes long‑term development and a renewed focus on community ties as the program looks to restore its competitive edge.