Hall of Game: A Legacy Continued

By Raya Anderson, Copy Editor

Jadon Lee/@JADONS_PICS Athletics Director Dave Jankowski presents a plaque renaming the softball field after former Kennedy coach Sue Hall.

On Thursday, Feb. 20, Kennedy High held a ceremony in honor of the renaming of the varsity softball field after former Kennedy softball coach Susan “Sue” Hall, continuing a lifetime of legacy for Hall and celebrating her time at the school. 

Before the varsity girls softball game, Kennedy held an event to commemorate Hall. The ceremony featured speeches from alumni softball players, a local congressman representative, and lastly Hall herself. The alumnus mentioned their respect for Hall and her ability to push them to follow through and unleash their full potential. They recognized her work ethic and praiseworthy actions that led up to the moment of the field renaming.

“Hall was once a coach, a mentor, a friend to so many,” Special Education teacher and Kennedy alum Sarah Tovar said. “She built a foundation to which this program thrives over wins and losses. This is a great testament of a great legacy.”

Tovar, a graduate of Kennedy’s Class of 2000, played softball with Hall as her varsity coach for four years. She mentioned many of her opportunities due to Hall’s program and the influence that it had for Kennedy softball players.

As Hall took the microphone to express her gratitude, she was surrounded by her close family, former players, and staff. She addressed the naming ceremony as well as her appreciation for those players who participated in the program.

“It was serious business the whole time,” Hall said to the crowd. "This is an incredible group of athletes right here. It represents a small amount of all the athletes that we have.”

A bronze plaque will be placed at the field, citing her name and highlights from her coaching career. However, it would be hard to fit all of Hall’s many accomplishments on one plaque.

Hall wasn’t just an inspiration for her players but a beacon of perseverance by leading the Kennedy varsity softball team to 17 league titles and four CIF Finals appearances while securing two CIF championships in addition to nine CIF semi-final appearances.

Hall was awarded the California Coaches Association State Coach of the Year Softball award in 2002 and the OC Register Coach of The Year award in 1987 and 1997. She was honored with an induction into the CIF Hall of Fame in 2004 and the OC Coaches Hall of Fame in 2019.

And now the Kennedy High softball field, a landmark in her legacy, has been named in her honor.

“There’s so much to show about Sue’s legacy but the renaming of the field really shows it,” Kennedy alum and Cerritos High P.E. teacher Michelle Steck said during the ceremony. “Not only have you [Hall] been the face of Kennedy softball, but now a permanent legacy.”

Anaheim Union High School District (AUHSD) Trustee Area 5 board member and former Kennedy Singers choir teacher Ron Hoshi knew Hall in 1988 when she first came to Kennedy High. Hoshi spoke of her legacy and how she has been an inspiration to students and colleagues, taking on many leadership roles at Kennedy. 

“I think the elements when you establish good systems and put things in place the programs can continue with great things,” Hoshi said. “It’s a testimony to Coach Hall to continue on a good softball program. It gives kids a reason to come to school and feel connected.”

After being a softball coach at Woodbridge High, Hall wanted a full-time job along with coaching, and Kennedy checked those boxes. Hall arrived at Kennedy High and took over the softball program which featured a group of experienced players ready to learn her methods and quickly became successful for seasons to come.

“I was so lucky to work here. I found myself a funnel,” Hall said. “An absolute funnel of fabulous players.”

Hall played many roles at Kennedy in addition to being a softball coach, after all, she coached 42 high school teams that were not just softball. She was the P.E. department chair, tennis coach, badminton coach, golf coach, cross country coach, and more.

Hoshi explained the long process of renaming the field, mentioning how an individual has to be nominated by witnesses of the nominee that come forward. After the nomination, the board votes on the long-term to infinite decision. For Hall, Health Science/P.E. Department Chair Ian Sabala nominated her as a retirement award to honor her time at Kennedy High. The decision to rename the field was signed on Aug. 3, 2024. 

“I knew that there had to be something on our campus to honor her dedication to Kennedy,” Sabala said. “I decided what better way than to have the softball named after her.”

It wasn’t a quick process for Sabala, as he had to complete numerous forms and collect letters of recommendations that spoke highly of Hall and her character. Retired Notre Dame head softball coach, Deanna Grumph, was among Hall’s former players to write a letter.

“It’s a complete honor and it’s a recognition of an era that went great,” Hall said. “This is like a reunion and it’s special to me.”

To complete the ceremony, Field Representative Anthony Monroy of State Assemblymember Sharon Quirk-Silva presented the certificate of recognition, highlighting 32 years of service and dedication Hall has put into Kennedy High.

“This field will further stand as a testament to her,” Monroy said. “A place for future athletes who would be inspired by her contributions and the profound impact she has left on Kennedy High School.”

Despite being retired, Hall’s impact will continue to live on at Kennedy High as future softball players and coaches will follow in her footsteps and take part in her legacy.

With the decision to rename the softball field, Sue Hall will always have a place in the halls of Kennedy.