Hemlock Public School District is proud to announce the return of a true legend to the softball diamond. Coach Larry Graf, whose name is forever honored at Graf Field, is returning to lead the Hemlock High School Softball program.
Coach Graf is one of the most accomplished coaches in Hemlock athletic history, having led the Huskies from 1986 to 2013 with unmatched dedication and success. Over his 28-year tenure, he compiled an extraordinary record of 702 wins and 272 losses, earning a 72 percent winning percentage. His leadership produced multiple championships, five District Coach of the Year awards, three Regional Coach of the Year honors, and the opportunity to coach the MHSAA Division 3 State All-Star game in 2000.
Under his guidance, the Huskies reached state quarterfinals and semifinals on several occasions, with the 2000 team advancing to the state semifinals. The 1998 squad achieved an incredible 38-4 record, producing four First Team All-State players and earning Graf recognition as the Saginaw Area Dream Team Coach. Beyond the victories, Coach Graf is celebrated for instilling the values of hard work, teamwork, and sportsmanship that shaped the lives of countless students-athletes during his previous tenure. Now he will once again have the opportunity to continue that leadership.
In 2018, the Hemlock Board of Education named the school’s softball field in his honor, forever recognizing his profound impact on the program and community. Most recently, in 2023, Coach Graf was inducted into the Saginaw County Sports Hall of Fame, a celebration of his legacy that extends far beyond Hemlock.
“It is a special moment to welcome Coach Graf back to the field that bears his name,” said Director of Athletics Angela Pohl. “His record speaks for itself, but what sets Coach Graf apart is his ability to mentor, inspire, and positively influence the lives of our student-athletes. His return to the dugout is a tremendous moment for Hemlock softball and our entire community.”
As Hemlock prepares for the upcoming season, the return of Coach Larry Graf marks not just a homecoming but also the continuation of a legacy. Graf Field will once again echo with the spirit of the coach who helped shape it, reminding the community of the past while building for the future.