Brian Goulart figured this was the perfect year to step down as head coach of East Union’s softball program and allow a new, yet familiar, voice fill the air at Northgate Softball Complex.

Athletic Director J.J. Ramirez has announced the hiring of a successor in Steffany Zanini. The 2008 East Union graduate has served as varsity assistant and freshman head coach under Goulart the past six years. A former three-sport athlete, she also played for Goulart in basketball and softball.

“(Zanini) is diligent and at the right age to take over,” Goulart said. “I’m telling people we’re not leaving it in poor hands. It will be the same as it always has.”

Goulart, 61, has retired from teaching and coaching at East Union and is planning to move to Texas later this summer. He guided the Lancers softball team to two Sac-Joaquin Section championships, eight Valley Oak League titles and a Cal-Hi Sports Division III Team of the Year award.

Zanini works for the San Joaquin County of Education and teaches in East Union’s C.A.R.E. program.  After graduating from EU, she attended CSU Monterey Bay and University of Hawaii at Manoa.

“I am absolutely honored to be able to step into this new role,” Zanini stated in a press release. “It means a lot to me and has been such a large part of my life for so long. I am ready to serve the East Union Softball Program and help players fall in love with the game as I have.”

Ramirez added, “Ms. Zanini has worked tirelessly over the course of the last few years. I am excited for Steffany. She brings her commitment and enthusiasm every day in everything she does.”