The Gorham spring sports season was officially canceled last week, but when the Gorham High School (GHS) varsity softball team finally takes the field, a new coach will be at the helm. Phil McGouldrick will take over the reins from Renee Whipkey who coached the Rams for the last three years. Whipkey decided to step down to spend more time with her family.
Athletic Director Tim Spear said, “Renee did a fantastic job of creating a fun positive culture within Gorham softball. I believe this culture has set the foundation for Gorham softball to be very successful in the future.”
McGouldrick and his wife of 24 years, Heidi, moved to Gorham in 1998. Their twins, Grace and Zachery (GHS ’18) have been heavily involved in athletics from a young age. During their high school years, Zach played baseball and golf, while Grace played basketball, track, field hockey and softball. Heidi worked for the Gorham School system as Volunteer Coordinator for 10 years and is now employed by St. Joseph’s College.
In October of 2018, McGouldrick retired from a 25-year career with the Portland Fire Department as Captain of the Munjoy Hill Station, assigned to Ladder 1. He still works on a part-time basis at the Scarborough Fire Department and the Gorham Fire Department. McGouldrick is also coaching a U18 college showcase softball team, the Maine Thunder, with his daughter.
McGouldrick has an extensive background in coaching that began with his children’s youth teams. “For a while back when they were young, it seemed like I was coaching two sports a season, all year long. I’ve coached both kids’ sports over the years, and found that I have a real passion for working with kids on the field or court,” he said.
Photo Credit: McGouldrick FamilyPhil McGouldrick is shown with his daughter, Grace.
His relevant coaching background for this position is very extensive. “I started coaching softball when Grace was in Cal Ripken (pre GYBSA) for Shaw Brothers. During that same time period, I started coaching U12 travel softball with the Southern Maine Frenzy.” His past coaching also included travel teams for Southern Maine Flame and time as an assistant coach for USM softball under Coach Sarah Jamo.
McGouldrick was very excited when he learned that the GHS position might be open. “Part of me was sad for the girls because Coach Whipkey had done such a great job creating a positive culture and getting the softball program to a good place,” he said, but he feels that with the strong foundation Coach Whipkey built, just a little nudge and some energy, the sky is the limit for the team.
“We have a supportive administration, a very talented group of young athletes, a great, engaged parent group, great leadership and coaching at the youth levels. I can’t wait to see where we will be in five years,” he added.
Despite the cancellation, McGouldrick was involved early on. “I’ve already met with GYBSA leadership about different ways we can all work together for the future success of Gorham softball. We have plans to offer different clinics, programs and leagues right here in Gorham to get the younger kids excited and build a great and successful program,” he stated.
McGouldrick has made an impact on many players over the years, including my own children. When I told my son there was a new softball coach and to “guess who,” his response, without pause, was “Phil McGOATdrick.” I remember him coaching my boys when they were younger; he was inclusive and he gave his attention to all the young players regardless of their level of play.
Spear said, “We are very excited for the next chapter for Gorham softball. We have seen seen softball participation at all levels in Gorham increase over the past few years. I believe Phil’s leadership will push Gorham to compete at a high level on a consistent basis within the SMAA.”