Aliso Niguel Coach Randie Baldwin was awarded the 2023 Orange County Coach of the Year title, given by the LA Chargers.
Randie Baldwin is the Aliso Niguel girls softball head coach and the head coach of flag football. She coaches with the help of Tess Dodge, the assistant coach.
Coach Dodge admires and loves working alongside Coach Baldwin, saying, “She is so good at what she does and has been an incredible mentor to learn from.”
With 2023 being the very first year flag football is introduced, Coach Baldwin and Coach Dodge were ready to step up to the plate and dominate the league. Overall, they exceeded expectations and were 2023 League Champions.
The Los Angeles Chargers recognized the effort of these athletes and coaches across Southern California and decided to host the first ever inaugural LA vs OC girls flag football All-Star game on Nov. 26 at SoFi stadium.
The Chargers allowed people to vote for coaches of the year. By the overwhelming support from the community of Aliso Niguel, Randi Baldwin got nominated for coach of the year, coaching Gigi Ganje (12) from Aliso Niguel in the All-Star game. Baldwin received about 75,000 votes and was head coach for the Orange County team for the inaugural game.
“I can’t even put into words what that support felt like. I love the Aliso community and am so grateful,” Baldwin says.
Coach Dodge was also extremely proud of Coach Baldwin for the well deserved award. Together, they make an amazing team by balancing each other out. Dodge says that she “brings the experience and structure while I am there to back her up and keep things light when needed.”
Baldwin and Dodge both agree the game was truly an unforgettable experience that they will forever cherish. Coach Baldwin says, “Sofi is one of the premiere sports venues, so to have that experience was pretty incredible!”
Undoubtedly, Randy Baldwin continues to impress all by leading Orange County to victory. They had an easy win against Los Angeles that was 32-7.
Coach Baldwin gives all the credit to her athletes, saying, “I have a tremendous amount of respect and admiration for my players and what they do on a daily basis and this award is a reflection of everything that they brought to the table this year.”
It is truly astonishing how much her and her players have grown and learned throughout the season.
Randie says that the success is due to the “talented athletes who are coachable, who work hard and who do things the right way.”
Aliso Niguel flag football values the culture they have created. It is very prevalent to see the constant support and joy both coaches and players bring.
Coach Baldwin states, “There is a genuine love, respect and appreciation for everybody in the program. The girls are the best of friends.”
Aliso flag football is hungry and ready for the next season. They are looking forward to being a tough competitor in another league title and working their hardest to get a CIF Championship. The coaches are excited to see more and more girls try out every year, and to watch the program to continue to grow.
