Brad Madden hired as new baseball coach at Ralston Valley
ARVADA — Three-time state baseball championship coach Brad Madden is taking over the baseball program at Ralston Valley High School in Arvada.
“We had a strong pool of candidates, but Brad’s accomplishments stood out,” Ralston Valley athletic director Jim Hynes said. “His coaching philosophy aligns well with ours and we’re very lucky to have a coach of his caliber take over the program.”
Madden, who guided Class 4A Jeffco teams Golden (2003) and Green Mountain (2014 and 2015) to state titles, will stay in Jeffco to take over the 5A program at Ralston Valley.
“It’s an opportunity I couldn’t pass us,” Madden said over the phone on Tuesday. “To be close to home and have a chance to coach my son in the future if he continues to play. There are already some great athletes and players at Ralston Valley.”
Ralston Valley finished the 2017 season with a 12-9 record. The Mustangs won their lone state baseball championship in 2008, winning the 4A state title.
Madden lives minutes from Ralston Valley, but as of now, he will continue to teach at Green Mountain High School next fall.
“It was a tough decision leaving Green Mountain,” said Madden, who coached the Rams for nine seasons. He spent his first six seasons as a head coach at Golden. “Leaving those kids is never easy. We built a top-5 team in the state over the last five years. I hope we can do the same thing at Ralston Valley.”
Green Mountain had a 15-4 record last season under Madden. The Arvada West High School graduate racked up a 145-59 record during his nine seasons at Green Mountain.
“I’ve been a lucky coach to be at some great places like Golden and Green Mountain. I feel like I’ve already stamped my coaching legacy,” Madden said. “I’m looking forward to getting great support from the administration and parents at Ralston Valley.”
