Ed McQuade’s first career home victory was memorable.

It happened in the late 1970s, when his Greenway Demons trailed 11-0 but still won. McQuade’s final home game turned out to be less suspenseful.

Greenway defeated Moon Valley 16-0 Thursday under the lights. But the biggest star of the the night was one of Arizona’s humble high school coaching giants.

Already the state’s all-time softball coaching leader in wins with 872, McQuade is stepping down after this season.

“It’s all about them (players),” McQuade said. “This is Senior Night. That’s what it’s all about. It’s about the kids. The kids took care of business tonight.”

His kids are trying to keep McQuade in the dugout for as long as they can.

With one game left in its regular season, Greenway currently sits at No. 23 in the 4A softball rankings. Teams ranked No. 9-24 will participate in a play-in game, with the winners advancing to the 16-team state tournament.

McQuade’s program has advanced to the postseason a remarkable 38 times, and he currently sits at No. 12 for most high school softball wins nationally. McQuade was planning to step down after last season, but assistant coach Janna Pershall, who will take over Greenway next season, asked McQuade to coach one more season.

Pershall played for McQuade on one of his five state championship teams.

“We couldn’t end his career at 39 years,” Pershall said. “I told him he needed to make it to his 40th.”

During his hall of fame career, 55 of McQuade’s players have gone on to play college ball, including University of Texas coach Connie Clark, one of five Greenway players who won player of the year honors.

McQuade isn’t entirely retiring. The 67 year old and his daughter, Colleen, are preparing to coach Colleen’s daughter’s T-ball team.

“He coaches with his heart,” said Colleen, who also played for McQuade at Greenway, about her father. “He is one of the most caring men that I know. He truly cares about every single one of his players.”

McQuade is scheduled to be interviewed Friday at 6:15 p.m. on the azpreps365 The Drive Show with Mike Grose on 1580 The Fanatic.  

(Greenway's hall of fame softball coach Ed McQuade is saying goodbye to Arizona high school softball after this season. But his team made sure McQuade went out a winner in his final home game. Photo by Jose Garcia/azpreps365.com)