Dave Feinberg >>

Mechanical
Pioneer Landscaping
Diesel Fleet Mechanics Construction
GES Construction
Carpenters/Foreman Trades/Construction
CIMETTA ENGINEERING
WELDERS Health Care
Carondelet Surgery Center
Operating Room RN's Construction
Green Valley Heating & Cooling
HVAC Service Tech General
Border States Electric
Warehouse Associates Trades/Construction
Rice Plumbing
Plumbers

Arizona's new assistant softball coach brings a passion for education, more than 15 years as an elite fast-pitch softball player, and 20 years as a softball and baseball coach to his new job.

As a volunteer assistant the last two seasons, Dave Feinberg, 58, coached outfielders and worked with players on their hitting skills. This season, he will get paid for a more prominent role after former player Nancy Evans left the team earlier this month.

Feinberg is fired up about the coming season, which begins Feb. 15. Here's an introduction to the assistant as he steps into the spotlight.

● Feinberg was a pitcher and also played third and second base. He's also surrounded by athletes at home. His wife of nearly 33 years, Candace, is a rhythmic gymnastics pioneer. She was a two-time national champion (1974-75) and is in the USA Gymnastics Hall of Fame.

Grown daughters Ashley and Taelor were track and field stars in pole vault and high jump, respectively.

"I'm very blessed. I've got a great family that's accomplished athletically and academically. Candace is my best friend and the most grounded person. She's my hero."

● He's got loads of experience. Feinberg played elite men's fastpitch softball for 15 years in Nevada, helped conduct camps for seven years and spent a year helping coach at Texas Tech.

"I get excited to go out to the field every day. We have a great group of ladies. Every season is a challenge, and now we have a big target on our back."

● After starting out in education administration, Feinberg coached at the high school level, then college.

He has a master's degree in educational administration and leadership from the University of Nevada and put his coaching career on hold for a time to focus on family.

The Sahuarita resident will "work with players to enhance the academic image of the team," he said.