But the grind of coaching began to take a toll on Arias, and he opted to step away following the 2016 season after compiling a 216-119-4 record (.645 winning percentage) at Liberty.
“At that time, I had been coaching for 20 years and just felt a burn out,” said Arias, who coached at Ridgeview before taking over the Patriots program six games into the 2006 season.
Arias’ departure to replacement was a smooth transition, with Ryne Petersen taking over, and continuing the school’s success on the softball diamond. Following three runner-up finishes in the Southwest Yosemite League, and a two-year interruption due to COVID, Liberty captured its first league title since 2010 last year, sharing the crown with Centennial.
But when Peterson opted to step down, Arias decided to apply. He was interviewed and officially hired in late August, Arias said.
“I’m very excited,” Arias said. “I’m glad I have a few months to kind of ease into it. It’s definitely allowed me to get to know the girls, allowed me to reestablish the program, and how I want to do things. There’s excitement, I’m ready to get started.”
It was a bit of deja vu for Tim Davis, Liberty's athletic director. Davis hired Arias back in 2006, and again this time around.
"To me, it's just exciting," David said. "There's a lot of young coaches, and to run a program like ours with three teams and stuff, there's a lot of guys that haven't done that. So it's nice to have him who has been through it at our level and knows what it's all about. We're all excited to have him back."
“Everything changes in coaching, and being away for six years,” Arias said. “I’m just trying to catch up to speed, remembering everything, what I know and being able to go out to practice and apply it to the girls, teach them things. It’s almost like starting over from scratch in some ways, which I enjoy. That’s bringing the excitement back for me.”