Steve Hindman excited about first head coaching job with Uni High baseball

Steve Hindman is University High’s new baseball coach. (Photo Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone)

University High’s new baseball coach Steve Hindman seems excited about his first head coaching job.

“It’s very exciting, the first thing I did was thank the boys for my first win,” Hindman said after the Trojans opening game 7-4 victory over Savanna Thursday. “I’ve always had my eye on here, it’s an amazing place. The facilities and everything are awesome.”

Hindman has had a few stints as an assistant coach, including the last three years at Tustin High, where he continues to teach full-time.

Before that, he was an assistant coach at Loyola High in Los Angeles and prior to that, he was an assistant coach at Valley Christian in Cerritos.

“Before that, I was two years over at Cal State Dominguez Hills,” Hindman said.”

Hindman has set some goals for his new team, which won its first two games in the Newport Elks Tournament.

“We’re trying to compete every game,” he said. “We’re learning how to control the game a little bit and let them have fun.”

Hindman is expecting big seasons from shortstop-pitcher Jackson LoBianco, utility player Adam Axtell, catcher Alex Qu, third baseman Beckett Kreter, left fielder Jackson Zambo and outfielder Noah Sperling.

“Those are the guys we’re going to lean on,” he said.

Hindman said he’s looking forward to leading University into Pacific Coast League play this month. The Trojans, who were 10-16 overall last season, are trying to bounce back from a 5-10 record in PCL play last year.

“It’s going to be fun, it’s always tough and everyone competes in that league, that’s what I love about it,” Hindman said.

-Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone; timburt@ocportszone.com