Garlock joins Eagles as Head Softball Coach

HUNTINGDON, PA. - Juniata College Athletics is pleased to announce the hiring of McKenna Garlock as the 11th head coach of the softball program. In addition to an impressive collegiate playing career, she brings over five years of coaching experience to Juniata. 

"McKenna impressed us throughout the entire search with her passion for softball and the student-athlete experience. She is a competitive person who has the ability to balance everything it takes to be the leader of our softball program. We are excited to start working with her, and I look forward to welcoming her into the Juniata Athletics family. " 

Coach Garlock spent the past two seasons at Lake Erie College, where she served as the team's assistant coach in the 2021 season before being elevated to head coach that fall. As the head coach, she oversaw all aspects of the program and led the team to their most wins since the 2018 season. The team produced two Great Midwest Athletic Conference All-Conference team members, as Grace Hammers made it from the pitcher's circle while Choe Allen was selected as an outfielder who also hit leadoff for the Storm. 

"I would first like to start out by thanking Athletic Director Nikki Ayers for giving me this opportunity to lead the Juniata College Softball team," said Garlock. "I am extremely excited to take the program to the next level and guide these athletes to the highest level of success both on and off the field." 

Prior to her time at Lake Erie, Coach Garlock spent four years at Notre Dame College (Ohio), where she was first the graduate assistant coach before she was elevated to full-time assistant coach. Initially, she was responsible for monitoring grades and overseeing study hours, along with leading the program's fundraising efforts. She took on more responsibility as she helped create and implement the training plan for the entire team, handled all travel logistics for the team during the season, and also created an education program to help new players transition into college athletes. She received her Master of Education while at Notre Dame. 

Coach Garlock was a four-year member of the softball team while at Lock Haven University (Pa.), where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Sports Administration. An accomplished infielder, Garlock was a two-year team captain and earned Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) first-team and second-team honors during her career. She also was a National Fastpitch Association (NFCA) Atlantic Region Second Team first baseman. In her senior year, she led the team in hits, batting average, doubles, home runs, and RBIs. 

She is no stranger to the area, as Garlock is also an alumna of Southern Huntingdon.

Garlock will begin at Juniata on Monday, August 29th.