Oxford Hills honors the coaches who built its softball program
Oxford Hills Softball Field Named for Long‑Serving Coaches as Vikings Advance to Regionals
South Paris, Maine – Thursday, June 11, 2026 – In a ceremony that combined tradition and celebration, the softball field at Oxford Hills High School’s Gouin Athletic Complex was renamed the Goddard‑Daniels Softball Field ahead of the Class A North quarterfinal against Bangor. The Vikings, led by senior pitcher Kyeria Morse, finished the game 4‑0 to secure a berth in the regional finals.
The field’s dedication honored head coach Cindy Goddard and longtime assistant coach Danny Daniels, who are retiring after more than 70 years of combined service to the program. Goddard’s 36‑season tenure ended with a 4‑0 win over Bangor, and Daniels, who joined the staff in 1993, is stepping down after 34 years.
“It’s a good point to pause,” Goddard said after the game. “You coach that long because it’s about more than the accolades.” Daniels echoed that sentiment, adding, “We wanted to leave the program in a good place. Whoever the next coach is will inherit a talented team and a strong feeder system.”
The coaches guided Oxford Hills to state championships in 1998 and 1999 and to four regional titles, most recently in 2024. Their partnership was described by former players as a balance of strict discipline and nurturing guidance. “She was the strict head coach, demanding the best effort from every player,” recalled former senior Jessie Becher‑Brooks. “Daniels was everybody’s grandfather.”
The idea to name the field after the duo came from senior left fielder Emma Cooper. “They’ve been doing it a long time,” Cooper said. “It shows how much we appreciate them.” The dedication ceremony itself saw players and community members removing a covering to reveal the new sign, with the field’s outfield walls adorned with local advertisements as a testament to community support.
Players shared their admiration for Goddard and Daniels. “They’ve shown me I can do more than what I thought I could do,” said Kyeria Morse. “They’ve shown me how to be a good person, and how to strive for that.” Former team captain Ashley Rolfe, who played under the coaches in 2004, added, “They taught me work ethic.” She noted that her daughter, sophomore first baseman Karol Rolfe, is now part of the program that Goddard and Daniels helped build.
The Vikings’ 4‑0 victory over Bangor was propelled by Morse’s two‑run home run in the first inning and a steady pitching performance. “We had a solid game plan, and the players executed it perfectly,” said coach Goddard. “It was a fitting end to our coaching careers.”
With the field now bearing their names, Goddard and Daniels’ legacy will continue to shape the Oxford Hills softball program for years to come. The team’s senior class is slated to graduate soon, but the feeder program—an established pipeline of youth softball talent—ensures that the program’s future remains bright.
As the Vikings prepare for the regionals, the community stands behind a program that has become a cornerstone of South Paris, celebrating both its past champions and the promise of future ones.
