Bellingham’s MacGowan Head Coach of Millis Softball Team

Well-known in Youth League Roles

By KEN HAMWEY, 

Bulletin Sports Writer

Brett MacGowan is Millis High’s new varsity softball coach, but he’s no stranger to the program or the girls he’ll be directing. And he’s no stranger to softball fans in Bellingham.

The 55-year-old MacGowan was the Mohawks’ junior-varsity coach for the last eight years, and all 11 of Millis’ returning players competed for him during his reign at the jayvee level. The East Longmeadow native, who’s lived in Bellingham for the last 30 years, has plenty of softball experience, especially at the grassroots level.

“When my daughters were old enough to compete, I coached in the Bellingham Youth League for 12 years and also served on the softball association’s board of directors,’’ MacGowan said. “I was secretary, vice president, and for seven years I served as the umpire scheduling director. I also coached club softball for 16 years and umpired for USA Softball for five seasons.’’

MacGowan’s three daughters (Taylor, Kaleigh and Kasey) all played for Bellingham High’s varsity, and Taylor was a starting outfielder for the Blackhawks’ state title team in 2014.

“I know the fields on High Street (in Bellingham), and I spent lots of hours there when I coached in the youth league,’’ MacGowan said. “It’s sacred ground for me because of my years coaching youths there and because my three daughters all played there.’’

MacGowan said that when he and his team face Bellingham and their coach (Dennis Baker) at High Street, “It’ll be different because I’m a visitor now.’’ Unfortunately, a Millis-Bellingham varsity game will not occur in 2023 because the Blackhawks’ program is on hold for a year. A lack of players has forced the administration to go into a reset mode at the varsity level. BHS, however, will compete as a junior-varsity squad this spring.

When softball is re-instated, MacGowan said “It’ll be fun to coach against Bellingham and