Jennifer Patrick Named New Spartan Softball Coach
YORK, PA-York College Dean of
Athletics and Recreation Sean Sullivan is happy to announce that
Jennifer
Patrick has been selected as the new Spartan softball coach.
Patrick, previously the head coach at Chowan, replaces Becky Bliss
who resigned at the end of the 2007 season after five years at the
helm of the Spartan program.
Patrick brings a wealth of playing and coaching experience to
the York College program. She was an outstanding four-year starter
at first base for the Methodist College Monarchs, one of the top
programs in the south region. She was a two-year captain for the
Monarchs as she helped Methodist compile a four-year record of
120-53 overall including a 41-11 mark in the Dixie/USA South
Conference. Patrick was a two-time Methodist Team MVP, a two-time
First-Team All-Dixie/USA South selection, and a two-time Offensive
Player-of-the-Year. Patrick holds five Methodist career records as
she owns the marks for career games played, at-bats, triples, total
bases, and put-outs. She also holds single-season records for
triples and put-outs.
As a coach, Patrick began as a volunteer assistant coach at
Huntingdon Area School district where she served as the assistant
junior varsity coach. She then was appointed as the assistant coach
at Washington & Jefferson College where she helped lead the
Presidents to 21 wins, the second highest total in school history.
At the conclusion of her year at W&J, Patrick moved on to St.
Francis University where she handled the infielders in addition to
being involved in all aspects of the Division I Red Flash program.
Patrick then earned her first head coaching position in July of
2006 when she was named the head coach at Division II Chowan
University. She led the very young Brave squad to 19 wins in her
first and only year in Murfreesboro, NC.
Patrick is happy to come back to her native state of
Pennsylvania.
“Certainly getting the chance to come to York College as
the head softball coach is a great opportunity,” states
Patrick. “I am excited about the possibilities of this
program and the opportunity to lead this program into one of the
best in the region.”
Sullivan is very excited to have Patrick on staff.
“Jennifer brings a tremendous enthusiasm to our program
and our staff,” states Sullivan. “Her track record as a
player and a coach provide our student-athletes with a proven
leader that should enable our program to ride on the track of
improvement.”
Patrick will have a number of
quality returners from a youthful Spartan squad that posted 16 wins
last year. Sophomore Sam Lawrence (Bethlehem, PA/Liberty)
leads the returning outfielders as she is the lone returning
All-CAC player after earning the honor as a freshman. Heather Bormann
(Brick, NJ/Brick Memorial) and Afton Brugger
(Westfield, PA/Cowanesque Valley) are two of the
Spartans’ top returning infielders while sophomore Megan Lahner
(Finksburg, MD/Westminster) and junior Nicole Kerfoot
(Owings, MD/Northern) return to anchor the Spartan pitching
staff.
“I am excited about the returning talent on the team but
I am also looking to add a number of talented players that can help
make the transition a successful one in 2008,” says Patrick.
“We have the potential to have a very exciting season and
I?look forward to getting started.”
Patrick starts her new position on July 17.