James Rines was named head coach of the Franklin Pierce University softball program in September 2026 after previously serving as a volunteer assistant coach with the Ravens since 2021.
Rines brings more than three decades of coaching experience at the high school and collegiate levels to the position.
Prior to joining Franklin Pierce, Rines served as an assistant coach at Plymouth State University from 2008 to 2014. He also founded the New England Diamond Gems program in 1994 and continues to serve as the program’s leader and head coach of its 16U Gold team. During his time with the organization, Rines has helped more than 140 student-athletes advance to compete at the collegiate level.
Rines has put together an accomplished career at the high school level, compiling a 327-107 career record while helping produce 41 Division II All-State selections, four Pitchers of the Year and four Players of the Year.
From 1994 to 2007, Rines served as the head coach at Souhegan High School, leading the program to the 2003 Division II state championship and six state runner-up finishes. He was named Division II Coach of the Year three times, earning the honor in 2001, 2003 and 2005, and was twice recognized with the Sportsmanship Award.
Rines later served as the head coach at Milford High School from 2015 to 2019, guiding the program to back-to-back Division II state championships in 2016 and 2017. During his tenure, he earned Division II Coach of the Year honors and received both the Sportsmanship Award and Glenn Colburn Umpire Award.
Rines enters his first season as head coach of the Ravens in 2027.
Rines' High School Coaching Accolades:
High School Career record: 327-107
Helped produce 41 Division 2 All State Players
4 Pitchers of the year
4 Players of the year
Souhegan High School Head Coach (1994-2007)
2003 Division II State Champion
6x Division II State Runners Up
3x Division II Coach of the year (2001, 2003, 2005)
2x Sportsmanship award winner (2001,2003)
Milford High School Head Coach (2015-2019)
Back-to-back Division II State Champions (2016 & 2017)
Division II Coach of the Year (2015-2016)
Sportsmanship Award winner (2016-2017)
Umpire “Glenn Colburn” Award winner (2016-2017)
