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    Orange Lutheran softball coach Steve Miklos ranks family, players over wins
    • April 14, 2026

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    Steve Miklos remembers feeling a bit startled when former Orange Lutheran athletic director Jim Kunau contacted him about becoming the school’s softball coach.

    It was the late 1990s, and Miklos worked as a chief financial officer for an auto insurance company in Newport Beach and coached for a travel softball team.

    “I wasn’t looking for (the job),” he recalled.

    Miklos had two daughters slatted to play softball for the Lancers in 1998, and a third on the way the next season. He also served on the board of the directors at Orange Lutheran.

    Miklos accepted the position and began a 29-year coaching run, which reached a major milestone on Saturday.

    He earned his 600th victory as the Lancers captured the Best of the West tournament in Santa Maria.

    He joined Los Alamitos’ Rob Weil (765) as the only Orange County softball coaches notch as least 600 wins, according to Cal-Hi Sports.

    “It was one I was looking forward to,” Miklos said of the milestone. “I’ve been blessed with a lot of great players … and my coaches have been great.”

    Family is one of the main reasons why Miklos, 70, remains in the dugout. He coached his daughters Laura, Jenny and Kimmy at Orange Lutheran.

    Jenny, now a math teacher at the school, is part of her father’s veteran coaching staff that includes Ken Briggs and Russ Roach.

    Miklos’ wife Janet is the team’s official scorer.

    Their granddaughter Chloe is scheduled to join the softball program next year.

    “As long as I’m having fun,” Miklos said of his coaching future. “I’m really enjoying coaching with my oldest daughter (Jenny).”

    Miklos’ motivation at Orange Lutheran extends beyond family.

    While he has transformed the program from an Olympic League contender to a Trinity League juggernaut, he focuses on preparing players for the college ranks.

    “Winning is not the goal,” Miklos said. “It’s the outcome. The (girls) set goals for themselves and they work to get better everyday.”

    Orange Lutheran takes a well-rounded approach. The program incorporates a weightlifting class for players, book study on leadership, an annual retreat in Arrowhead and a demanding game schedule.

    Miklos said seniors are expected to mentor younger players.

    Orange Lutheran’s development is again paying off. Sophomores Rylee Silva, Mia Scott, Melia Munoz, Malia Smith and Maddison Milne have blended well with several key seniors. The Lancers are 15-5 overall and 2-0 in the Trinity League.

    “The seniors know they have to work with the younger girls,” Miklos said. “It’s working together to get better.”

    NOTES

    Marina co-coaches Dan Hay and Shelly Luth have been named the California Coaches Association’s coaches of the year for 2026. …

    Orange’s Scarlett Poitra tossed a perfect game with 13 strikeouts in a 10-0 win against Western last week. The junior fired a no-hitter with 13 strikeouts against Western on March 20. Orange plays host to Rancho Alamitos on Wednesday in a key Grove League game. …

    Julianna Romero has four complete games and Shea Gonzalez is hitting over .500 during Villa Park’s rise to first place in the Freeway League. …

    Fullerton second baseman Melia Vera has committed to Chapman. The senior is hitting .415. …

    Huntington Beach’s Bree Carlson is hitting .456 with six home runs and 24 RBIs.

    ​ Orange County Register 

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