After 23 years of serving as a head coach, from recreational play to high-performing travel teams, Fredy Rivera decided to put that in the past to become the assistant coach of the Gordon College women’s softball team. More interestingly, he is the father of the head softball coach, Lily Rivera.
“At that time, the assistant coach position was a volunteer role, so I accepted a full-time position at Gordon College outside of athletics to ensure availability, consistency, and full institutional compliance,” Fredy Rivera said. “When Coach Lily was hired as the Head Softball Coach at Gordon College, she asked me to join her staff as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator.”
Lily was hired as the head coach in 2024. She replaced Megan Farnham, who stepped down as head coach that same year.
“My experience as a player and in assistant coaching roles with the Gordon Softball program has greatly shaped the coach I am today,” she said. “It gave me a deep sense of gratitude for the opportunities the program provided me and my teammates and inspired me to give back by serving our athletes in the same way.”
Even though Fredy had a full-time job as a head coach, he left it to be by his daughter’s side so that she could have help in her head coaching journey as her assistant coach.
“Coaching with her dad has definitely given her confidence,” said senior pitcher Emily Graham.
But that does not mean there were not some things they had to work through.
“The most common challenge is the perception of favoritism. I have always been very intentional about maintaining professional boundaries. My expectations for my daughters are not lower; if anything, they are higher. They understand the standards, the work ethic required, and the importance of accountability,” Fredy said.
One of the best parts of having coaches who are related is that they are in constant communication and, to some degree, know what each other is thinking anywhere on the field.
“Our program emphasizes teamwork, accountability, and mutual support, ensuring that every athlete feels valued, empowered, and respected within a positive and supportive environment,” Lily said.
Unlike her father, who has coached at levels ranging from recreational play to high-level travel teams, this is Lily’s first head coaching stint.
“Lily went from playing on the team to being an assistant coach, and now is the head coach,” Graham said. “They complement each other very well.”
Despite this, there are boundaries that have to be maintained between the head coach and the assistant coach.
“In a team setting, I am ‘Coach,’ not Dad. That distinction has always been clear. Any demonstration, drill, or leadership responsibility given to them is based on preparation, experience, and reliability, not family relationship,” Fredy said.
The father–daughter team is developing based on each of their skills. Lily brings youth and a strong connection to Gordon College Softball. Fredy brings coaching experience that adds special value.
“At the end of the day, my focus is always on student-athlete development, team culture, and supporting the mission of Gordon College. Everything I do is grounded in professionalism, fairness, and doing what is best for the program,” Fredy said.
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