Starting the 2024-2025 season BVH had an open position for a new Head softball coach. Special Education Teacher and varsity softball Head coach, Venessa Kalavi has returned to the Baron community to share her expertise. BVH softball program is embarking on a new era with the arrival of Coach Kalavi, a dynamic leader determined to bring a winning mentality and renewed energy to the team. With a wealth of experience and a passion for developing athletes both on and off the field. She is ready to build on the team’s legacy and push the Lady Barons to new heights
“I earned a softball scholarship at Oregon State University. GO BEAVS! I majored in Human Development and Family Studies,” Kalavi said.
Her experience as a student-athlete at Oregon State not only increased her skills on the field but also deepened her understanding of how sports can positively impact personal growth and team dynamics. With a strong foundation in both athletic performance and human development, Kalavi is now bringing that knowledge to BVH, eager to guide her players through both athletic and personal development.
“I enjoyed my high school experience at BVH. I liked it so much that I am back here teaching. My favorite memory was the pep assemblies,” Kalavi said.
Her connection to the school runs deep, it is clear that her passion for BVH is a driving force in her return. Now, as a teacher and coach, Kalavi is excited to give back to the school that made her who she is now; using her experiences to inspire and motivate the next generation of athletes and students. Her return to BVH is more than just a career move—it is a full-circle moment that fuels her dedication to bring victory and success to the team.
“ I love the sport, and I play it at a high level. I would like to share my knowledge and insight of the game with our Lady Barons,” Kalavi said.
Having competed at the collegiate level, she brings a wealth of experience to her coaching. With her extensive background, Kalavi is eager to share her knowledge on her experiences—both skills and the mental toughness required to succeed at the highest levels—hoping to inspire her players to achieve their full potential on the field. To achieve the highest potential, it is essential for the board to choose the most qualified applicant.
“We want someone who is going to be organized and dependable. We want them to be able to manage a program because you are not just coaching the team, you are managing the entire program,” Assistant Principal Tyler Arciaga said.
In addition, with a recent appointment of the new softball coach, the main focus shifts to not only embrace the developing skills of the players, but to manage the entire program. The search for a coach was centered on finding someone who could bring organization and dependability to the role—qualities essential for overseeing day-to-day operations, coordinating team practices and ensuring long-term success. As Kalavi was chosen, it shows that she is capable and is the right fit for this task.
“I think that she is going to be great. We were both students here together,” Arciaga said, “She is a year younger than I am. She was a great softball player here and a really solid student.”
Her history as both a standout player and a dedicated student at the school has set the stage for her success as a coach. With a strong foundation, it is clear that she brings a unique perspective to the role, one that blends firsthand experiences and a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed in both athletics and academics. Now, as she steps into her new role, she is ready to lead the team with the same passion and commitment that defined her own time as a student-athlete.
“What is great is that she has come back to her home school and wanted to give back to the community, school and program that offered her opportunities to go on and play in college. I think that it is an amazing opportunity for our young ladies here to have such a great mentor. [For those] who have aspirations to go on and play collegiately, they have somebody who was in their shoes, did it and [was able to execute that,]” Arciaga said.
Her return is special because she has come back to her home school. She is able to reminisce on her achievements and share them with her players so they can accomplish them as well. This connection between past and present adds a personal touch to her coaching approach, offering players not only a coach, but a role model who is understanding the challenges that they face.
“I am really looking forward to the new season. I am excited to have a new coach. I think she has a lot of good ideas. Having a coach who has experience will help us do better this season,” Aboytes said.
Aboytes’ optimism reflects the broader sense of excitement among the team, as players feel confident that the coach’s firsthand experience and fresh perspective will be key to their growth and success on the field. With a shared sense of anticipation, the team is ready to embrace the new challenges and opportunities that come with this new leadership.
“Being a senior, I am looking forward to having a new coach because I believe that we could win the league. Which is something we have been wanting to accomplish since my freshman year,” Aboytes said.
Aboytes expresses her hope in being able to achieve something great not only for her own accomplishment, but for her whole team with this new addition. It has been a desire for her team and herself to be able to go to the finish line, and it would be a fulfillment for the team and Kalavi herself.
“Practice! I put a lot of emphasis into planning, preparing and executing productive practices. I expect our athletes to work hard in practice, so that when game day comes- we can have some fun and just play,” Kalavi said.
