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Associate mug of Kenny Connolly, Anaheim reporter.

Date shot: 12/31/2012 . Photo by KATE LUCAS /  ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

A week after leading Canyon’s softball team to its second consecutive CIF-SS semifinals appearance, Dan Hay announced he has stepped down as the school’s coach.

“It has been nine years of some of the best coaching years of my life,” Hay said. “Many, many memorable games and rivalries. It was a pleasure to work at Canyon because of the unconditional support from their administrators. I have had the pleasure to coach many players who have gone on to have spectacular college careers.

“I have developed life long friendships with many parents, players and Canyon administrators. I could not have done the job without my dedicated coaching staff.”

In his nine years at Canyon, Hay compiled an overall record of 190-74. The Comanches won two league championships, reached four CIF semifinals and was Division 1 runner-up in 2011.

“We’ve gotten the softball program to the level where we’re seeing huge success every year,” Canyon athletic director Mike Najera said of Hay. “We’re seeing more and more girls earn Division 1 scholarships. It’s really a program that’s doing well.

“When Dan mentioned he might step down because of everything he’s got going with other business ventures and wanting to spend more time with family, I understand you got to do what you got to do. We want to get some one in here that’s going to keep the tradition going because Dan has gotten it to that top level in Orange County.”