This is Coach Gunnar’s sixth season with the Vikings as an assistant coach in 2024. Before joining the LBCC squad, Gunnar was an Assistant Coach for the Whittier Poets. His experience with coaching the game of travel softball at the highest level goes back twelve years.

 

It was Gunnar’s daughter that led him to the game of softball from baseball, which he played throughout his school years, all the way to the State Championship his senior year at Artesia High School. He attended Cerritos College, pitching for the Falcons for a year and a half until he was given an opportunity to pitch as an imported semi-pro in Canada. Gunnar returned to Canada each baseball season for five years, earning MVP of the League 3 times and leading his Canadian team to the Championship 3 times.

 

“It’s the same sport, just a different game, and I’ve always liked the shorter, faster game with bunting, stealing, producing runs and outsmarting the opposition, that’s me!” is his answer to those who question why he doesn’t coach baseball. Gunnar has a keen insight and has a passion for teaching his players not just how to do the skills of the game, but why and when those skills are applied.

 

“My job is to put my players in the position to succeed.”