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Gulf coach quits after one-win year

NEW PORT RICHEY -- As the season progressed, first-year Gulf coach Deann Newton became reluctant to discuss her team's shortcomings.

Now that the Buccaneers' one-win season is in the books, Newton does not have to talk about it anymore.

Tuesday, she turned in her resignation to athletic director Paul Girardi. "It's not a place for me to pursue my coaching career," Newton said. "I don't want to lose my love for (softball)."

"It's unfortunate," said Girardi, who hopes to hire a new coach by July 1. "I hated to lose her, but I can understand. I knew she was frustrated with the team."

For Newton, 25, Gulf (1-24, 1-15 Sunshine Athletic Conference) was her second high school coaching job. She coached Wilsonville (Ore.) to the state semifinals in 2000.

A 1999 Western Oregon University graduate, Newton was an All-Great Northwest Athletic Conference first baseman as a senior.

"It's pretty tough for someone as competitive as she is to live through a season like that," Girardi said.

Newton said she plans to "maybe pursue something in Hillsborough" County.

Newton's husband, Ed, endured similar struggles this season. He coached Gulf's winless girls basketball team, but said he plans to return.

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