Western Nebraska Community College’s Softball program has named assistant coach Katie Groves the new associate head coach.
“I am sincerely grateful to be promoted within the WNCC Softball program. I’ve been lucky enough to be back as part of the coaching staff for what will be my third season this year, and have truly enjoyed watching the growth of our athletes both on and off the field,” Groves said.
Groves played for the Cougars during the 2009 and 2010 seasons where she became an NJCAA All-American. After graduating from WNCC in 2010, she went on to continue her softball career and further her education at the University of Central Missouri.
According to Maria Winn-Ratliff, head coach for the Cougars, being able to have a two-time All-American who played for the Cougars return and be able to give back to the community is an asset to the program.
“Katie is a phenomenal young woman who wants and continues to get better every day and wants to make the program better,” Winn-Ratliff said. “She will make a phenomenal head coach in the future.”
“I’m eager to continue working with our student-athletes on the field and in the classroom to help continue and promote the Cougar Softball traditions,” Groves added.
The Cougars kick off their season on the road with a doubleheader against Frank Williams College on Thursday, Feb. 11. The team finished last season with a 56-14 record and won the program’s fifth Region IX title. They were able to advance to the 2015 NJCAA National Tournament.