Bulldog Insider: Hailey Dolcini, Linda Garza reunite at Fresno City

FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE)– Linda Garza is entering her second year as head coach of the Fresno City softball program. Garza has brought on one of her former players, Hailey Dolcini as Fresno City’s pitching coach.

Dolcini played for Garza at Fresno State from 2019-2021. Dolcini then transferred to Texas where she became the Longhorns’ ace and pitched in the Women’s College World Series. Dolcini has a long list of accomplishments at the division one level. All-American, Mountain West Pitcher of the year, and starting pitcher in the WCWS.

“Her resume is impressive. In my 23 years of coaching Hailey is by far one of the top three athletes in terms of how they show up every single day and how they train. She trains hard, she trains well, she trains right” said Garza.

Dolcini served as a graduate assistant on Texas’ staff in 2023 as she completed her masters degree. “I definitely was one that said I’d never coach. Then Garza called and she’s hard to say no to” said Dolcini.

The All-American pitcher returned to the Central Valley last year to train local athletes. Now, she’s living in Fresno full-time while training the next generation and also coaching at Fresno City.

“With all the coaches I’ve played for I’ve gathered a ton of information. Being able to bring it all back and pour into my girls and other athletes around the valley is what I was meant to do for a job. I’m so happy to be back and doing it” said Dolcini.

Both Garza and Dolcini shared that coaching at the junior college level is special. They have the opportunity to craft players, teach them the fundaments and give them an opportunity to play at the division one level.

“They’re constantly wanting to get better. They want my help and they want my advice” said Dolcini.

The Fresno City softball program begins the 2025 season on Friday against Fullerton at Mount San Antonio College.