While attending Iowa Park High School, where he graduated in 1985, Van Hedrick was a three-sport letterman in football, basketball and baseball, and he earned All-District honors in all three sports. His pursuit of excellence on the playing field is no different in his work as the Lady Lions' first coach than it was in his playing days.

      Formerly the assistant to NCTC head baseball coach Kevin Darwin, Coach Hedrick has proven his ability to lead and inspire student athletes. Having been in on the establishment of women's fast-pitch softball at NCTC from its earliest planning stages, he has worked tirelessly to develop the program, recruit players, even do extensive work on the Lady Lions' beautiful new stadium. 

      Coach Hedrick attended Vernon Regional Junior College from 1986—1988, playing shortstop and serving as a team tri-captain. He holds the VRJC single season record for the highest batting average of .431. After earning his Associate Degree at Vernon, Hedrick attended Tarleton State University from 1988 to 1990. At Tarleton, he moved to the outfield and was used as a relief pitcher. An arm injury sidelined him for most of his junior season. During Hedrick's senior year at Tarleton, however, he was named "Comeback Player of the Year."

      In 1990, Coach Hedrick earned his bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, with a minor in Physical Education. After a year of assistant coaching at Hill College, he returned to Tarleton State and was a graduate assistant coach for two years while completing his Master of Education degree in 1992.

Robyn, Coach Hedrick's wife, taught high school Home Economics in Fort Worth, TX. After moving to Gainesville Robyn taught at Valley View Middle School in Cooke County. She also holds a master's degree in Early Childhood Development. Van and Robyn are the proud parents of Ashley, Allison, and Autumn.