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Garlock has smooth transition as JC softball coach
HUNTINGDON -- When it comes to transitioning to a new program, challenges are inevitable. But, for McKenna Garlock, her first season leading Juniata College softball has been more than encouraging to this point.
"Honestly, it's easier than anticipated. I was unsure how the transition might be. But, the team has been phenomenal. They've bought into our coaching philosophy," Garlock said.
"Everyone has bought into what their role has been. One through 24, everyone has bought into what their role is. We've adjusted well to different pitching, too."
The Eagles are 8-6 so far this season and will enter more Landmark Conference play when they battle Scranton on Saturday.
What drew Garlock to the world of coaching?
"My college career helped shape me. I want to impact players the way my coaches shaped me," Garlock said.
Garlock earned her bachelor's degree and spent four years at Lock Haven University. Then, she would earn her master's degree at Notre Dame College (Ohio). Once she started coaching there she decided that coaching, "would be my career."
Garlock was a graduate assistant and later a full-time assistant coach for the Falcons. She recently spent two years at Lake Erie College, where she was an assistant coach and a head coach.
Garlock said that her coaches at Lock Haven have been vital during her coaching career.
"Coach Kelly Shannon and Danielle Fraser brought a blue collar mentality. We weren't always the most talented, but we worked and had success. They drove me to work hard. I still text them anytime I need advice," Garlock noted.
Some standout players for the Eagles include Cate Baran and Alex Douglass.
Baran has been dangerous on the mound and at the plate. The junior has a 1.33 ERA, four complete games and 39 strikeouts in 42 innings pitched. As a hitter, Baran has a .434 average, 23 hits, eight RBIs and seven doubles. Not to mention she has seven stolen bases.
"She's obviously a stud the second she steps on the mound. She has a mental toughness and she's something in the box. She's super quiet and puts her head down and goes to work," Garlock noted.
As for Douglass, she has posted a .326 batting average, 14 hits, eight ribbies and five stolen bases. The sophomore has not committed an error in 12 games played this season.
"Alex Douglass shows up in high pressure situations and gets the job done," Garlock stated.
A goal for the Eagles is to make noise within their conference.
"A big goal for us is to make it to the conference tournament. We have to take that blue collar mentality, dig our heels in and get it done," Garlock added.
The future appears bright for Juniata College with Garlock leading the way. Not only is the team posting a winning mark with big goals, but recruiting has been a bonus.
"Recruiting is a big piece of all this. I currently have six commits. There were zero when I came in," Garlock explained.
It seems like softball is attracting more and more eyes to the TV screen. Garlock concurs.
"It's growing tenfold. It's a fun, fast paced sport. It's phenomenal to watch and it's catching momentum," the Eagles coach said.
Juniata College is just three victories shy of tying its win total from last season. And currently the Eagles are in first place in the Landmark Conference.
We don't know how the rest of the softball season will pan out, but one thing is certain -- the Eagles are in good hands.