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By RYAN ARENA

L’Observateur

 

The Riverside softball dugout will be host to a reunion next season of teacher and star pupil — and its coaching staff to a whole lot of championship rings.

The Rebels officially hired former John Curtis standout Gabriele Bridges Tuesday morning to join the varsity softball coaching staff, reuniting her with head softball coach Kristy Hebert, who coached Bridges at Curtis.

Bridges was a major part of what was nothing short of a dynasty at Curtis; she played on five state championship teams under Hebert in her tenure with the Patriots.

In addition to her duties as assistant head softball coach, Bridges will be the junior high softball and volleyball coach.

After a spectacular career at JCC, Bridges signed with UL-Lafayette, where she would once again play alongside former Curtis star pitcher Ashley Brignac.

At Curtis, Bridges finished her career by hitting .498 as a senior; she hit over .400 each season of her career. The first baseman was named to the All-State team four times.

At Louisiana-Lafayette, she didn’t let up. Bridges was named All-American, earning a spot on the third team in her senior season in 2011. She ranked second in the nation in RBIs and third in home runs as a senior, and set an NCAA record with four grand slams in one season.

She helped propel the Cajuns to four NCAA tournament bids and in 2008 helped ULL reached the Women’s College World Series. Bridges graduated from ULL in December.

“I’m just ecstatic,” said Hebert. “She’s a winner, a great, great hitter. Our girls can learn so much from someone like her.

“She was a straight A student in high school, an honor student in college … here at Riverside, I feel like we’re getting a great teacher in addition to someone who will be a tremendous coach.”

Bridges said that she came to the decision within the last few days, after mulling over a few offers — including one from her alma mater in Curtis.

But she couldn’t pass on the chance to coach with Hebert.

“I played under her for six years. She’s a great coach and always looking out for what’s best for her program,” said Bridges. “I know how she works and I respect what she does and who she is.

“It’s just a great feeling. I’m so glad she called, and I’m really excited to be able to teach the things that I was taught.”

The Rebels have finished in the state semifinals in each of the last two seasons and Bridges hopes she can help lift Riverside to that elusive state championship.

“I know what it feels like to win state,” she said. “They deserve it after so close for so many years. Hopefully I can help push them over the top.”