Perry High School softball Coach Bryan Hayes recently reached a remarkable milestone, earning his 700th career victory and adding another chapter to a coaching career spanning 32 years.
For Hayes, however, the significance of 700 wins goes far beyond a number.
“It is a huge accomplishment for me,” Hayes said. “It means that I have been dedicated to the task, at least partially competent, and capable of sharing this game with a significant number of young ladies who have written stories of memories on my heart and mind.”
Of those 700 victories, 625 have come at Perry, where Hayes has built a program defined by hard work, competitive schedules and a commitment to developing homegrown athletes.
“I never wanted to just coach a team. I wanted to run a program,” Hayes said. “Our kids have bought in, dedicated themselves to the program, and been successful with some grit and determination.”
Hayes first discovered his passion for coaching softball in 1995. His first experience came while coaching his sisters’ high school softball team alongside his father. During his second year of teaching and coaching, he was asked to take over a softball program at a new school. Although he had always envisioned himself as a baseball coach, the experience quickly changed his perspective.
“I discovered that the game was faster and more exciting than baseball,” Hayes said. “But more than that, I discovered that girls will work their butts off if they feel like you will take care of them and give them a little bit of encouragement. Coaching girls stole my heart.”
Over the course of his 32-year career, Hayes has coached at several schools in Texas, served as an assistant at Stillwater and coached at other small schools before ultimately coming to Perry. His path to Perry was not immediate, though. He applied multiple times before eventually receiving an opportunity through a connection with Ann and Tim Hight.
That opportunity has resulted in more than two decades of success with the Perry Lady Maroons.
Among the many seasons Hayes remembers fondly is 2012, when Perry went 35-5 and became the first Lady Maroon team to advance to the state tournament. The senior class of Jayde Hansen, Tiara Ewy and Lauryn Sullins helped lead that historic team.
He also points to the 2016 season, when Perry battled through a difficult 4-13 start before finishing 22-20, a season Hayes remembers for the team’s perseverance and toughness.
His 600th career win also stands out. Perry defeated defending state champion Washington, 3-1, at the Tuttle Tournament, with Bella Porter hitting a two-run home run. The Lady Maroons went on to win the tournament.
More recently, the years from 2021-2025 produced some of the program’s most successful seasons, including four trips to the state tournament in five years. Hayes credits the success to the dedication of Perry’s athletes and the support of the community.
One of his most memorable moments came in 2023, when Perry fans transformed Cowgirl Stadium in Stillwater into “Perry Lady Maroon Field” during the state tournament.
“The atmosphere was indescribable,” Hayes said. “The memories are forever.”
Hayes is especially proud of the fact that Perry consistently challenges itself against strong competition. Rather than building an easy schedule, the Lady Maroons regularly play quality opponents, travel to compete and often play up in class.
“The thing that really brings me satisfaction is knowing that we go play good people every single year,” Hayes said. “Not just when we are good. I have never altered my schedule to get a bunch of cupcakes on it. We play up in class and competition and travel to do it. Our schedule is rough and challenging. I’m proud of that.”
The success of the program is also reflected in the accomplishments of its athletes. Hayes noted that the most recent senior class finished its high school career with 132 combined wins.
For Hayes, the most rewarding part of coaching is watching athletes become confident enough to take ownership of the game.
“My favorite part was coaching them to be in charge, make the call, and dominate the game,” he said. “Great teams need to be coached and challenged, not led by the hand.”
That philosophy has helped shape generations of Perry softball players, while creating a program Hayes says he is deeply proud of.
Perry Public Schools Athletic Director Mike Carmin praised Hayes for his longevity and commitment to the program. “Perry Public Schools is very proud of Coach Hayes' dedication through the years, and very lucky to have him on our coaching staff. Coach Hayes' 700 win accomplishment is a testament to his hard work and perseverance through a challenging and ever changing landscape that is High School athletics.”
While the 700-win milestone is an impressive career achievement, Hayes says the greatest reward has never been the wins themselves, but “the ‘I love you Coach Hayes’…my girls…I have no words for that,” he said. “I’ll just treasure that in my heart.”
After 700 wins, countless athletes, and decades spent building Perry softball, Hayes’ legacy is measured not only in victories, but in the young women, memories and community he has helped shape along the way.