I have been involved with youth sports for the last 14 years.  Most of that has been with youth softball.  For the last ten years I have been coaching year-round in travel ball supporting our local players with an affordable option to compete against a high level of talent. For the last two years I have also assisted on the JV team at Hillsdale.  I am happy to be back and help with the program this year to shape these young athletes on the road of life. 

Hello Knights!

My name is Nichole Howes and I am the Head JV Softball Coach here at Hillsdale. This will be my fifth season with the program, and my third season leading our JV squad. On this team we try to cultivate positive attitude and a winning spirit that is supported by an environment sustained through hard work, perseverance, support and positivity.  We take that philosophy with us every time we step on the field.    

Previously, I coached at San Mateo High School for both their Varsity and JV teams, and this year will mark my fourteenth season coaching softball at the high school level. Additionally, I was lucky enough to coach Hillsdale's Varsity and JV Cross Country teams this year. We had an incredible season, and I hope to bring that same continued success to our softball program. 

I am an alumni; I graduated back in 2008. While attending Hillsdale, I had the opportunity to play for both the Girls' Golf and Softball Teams. I had an amazing experience then, and I truly enjoyed my time as a Knight, on and off the field. 

I went on to receive my Bachelor's Degree and Master's Degree in English Literature from NDNU, all while continuing to coach high school softball. Currently, I am a freelance writer and I work as an Instructional Aid in Hillsdale's SPED Department.

It has been a privilege to come back and be a part of this school and an honor to have a place in this outstanding softball program. I can't wait to start our 2022 season.

Hello –

My name is Talya Franco and I am 23 years old and an alumni from Hillsdale High School. I was born and raised in San Mateo. I carried on the family softball tradition as my mother represented Hillsdale High as a softball player.

Additionally, I played club softball for the Cal Nuggets for 5 years and the NorCal Blitz for 2 years.

I graduated from Hillsdale High School in 2016. Additionally, I played varsity basketball and softball and was fortunate enough to make 4x CCS appearances representing Hillsdale.

I attended the University of Oregon and graduated in 2020. I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sports Journalism. As a student at UO I played Rugby which is a Pac 12 program. I also was an ESPN student intern.

After graduation, I coached at Mills High School as the Assistant Varsity Coach. I am an employee in our district an am so thrilled to be back supporting our school.