New skipper for Scots
softball
MONMOUTH,
Former head coach Kari Shimmin has stepped
down following her appointment as chair of the college’s physical education
department and assistant John Goddard has been named as Shimmin’s
replacement. The move will take effect immediately.
“This was the logical move and the best move
for everyone,” reported Shimmin. “John has been a valuable member of our staff
and I can’t think of anyone better suited for the job. I have a great
opportunity to lead our department and continue to work on earning my Ph.D.
John has a wealth of knowledge and is familiar with
“John
has many contacts in the softball community and will make an excellent
recruiter,” Shimmin continued. “I know he is anxious to begin the recruiting
process and bring some of the finest softball talent in the
Interim associate athletic director Roger
Haynes echoed Shimmin’s sentiment. “We have great
confidence in the energy and enthusiasm John brings to the softball program,”
he said. “I’m confident John will continue to move our program in a positive
direction.”
Goddard, who will retain Hank Shimmin and
Holly English as assistant coaches, brings a wealth of coaching experience to
the table. He has held numerous coaching positions at the high school and ASA
levels. Goddard was an assistant on the local ASA 18U girls’ team that
qualified for the ASA Northern Nationals last summer.
“I’m very excited and grateful for this
opportunity,” said Goddard. “I’m indebted to Coach Shimmin and the college for
allowing me to lead the Scots program. We have a talented group of young women
and I’m anxious for us to get to the next level.”
Shimmin accepted her appointment as
department chair last fall, calling it a “great opportunity” to assume the
duties as department chair from Dr. Terry Glasgow who will retire at the end of
the academic year. She had served as head softball coach since 2005 and will
continue to serve as head volleyball coach, a position she has held since 1998.
During Shimmin’s tenure leading the softball program,
the Scots have improved in the Midwest Conference standings each season.
Shimmin cited her new responsibilities as
the chair of Monmouth’s physical education department as the reason for the
move and stressed the coaching move will only affect the softball program. “I
really want to emphasize that this move is based on the extra demands of leading
our physical education department,” said Shimmin. “I didn’t feel I could
effectively dedicate my time to coaching two sports and handling the duties of
the department chair. On one hand, it was a difficult decision because I’ve
enjoyed my time with the softball program and feel like they’re part of my
family. On the other hand, I didn’t want the women in that program to suffer
due the increased workload of my new position. I’m sure the women will enjoy
much success under John’s leadership.”
The Scots will open the season with a
seven-game swing through
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phone: (309) 457-2322 (office)
(309) 337-3942
(cell)
(309) 457-2330
(fax)
dnolan@monm.edu
http://www.monm.edu