CMS Athletics Announces Oaks Garcia as Softball Head Coach

CLAREMONT, Calif. – On Thursday morning, the Claremont-Mudd-Scripps Athletics Department officially announced Gina Oaks Garcia as the head coach for the CMS softball program. Oaks Garcia, a former All-American at Cal State Fullerton and member of U.S. and Venezuela National Teams, comes to the Athenas after assistant coaching stints at Loyola Marymount, Azusa Pacific, and Cal State Fullerton.

"We are thrilled to have Gina join our department and take the reins of our softball program," said Director of Athletics Terry Tumey on the hiring of Oaks Garcia. "With her extensive coaching and playing experience, Gina brings a wealth of knowledge program. Pair that experience with her passion and enthusiasm for the sport and mentoring young women and you have someone that I'm excited to have on board."

Oaks Garcia becomes the seventh coach in the history of the CMS softball program and takes over a successful team that has made seven trips to the NCAA Tournament in the last nine years.

"First, I want to thank Terry for giving me the opportunity to come to CMS and join such a great department," said Oaks Garcia on Thursday. "I'm super excited to be here. Obviously, the program has done well in the past and it's exciting to be with a group of women who have already won and to have the chance to continue to develop them."

As mentioned, Oaks Garcia has played at some of the highest levels. During her four years at Cal State Fullerton, her list of accolades included four-straight All-Region recognitions, a pair of All-American nods, and three straight years as a First Team All-Big West player at multiple positions. In her senior season, she was also a finalist for the National Player of the Year Award. As a member of the Titans, Cal State Fullerton won four-straight Big West Championships and made four appearances in the NCAA Regionals.

Outside of the collegiate ranks, Oaks Garcia's playing resume includes time with the USA National Team during her college years and two years with Team Venezuela from 2012-2013. Following college, Oaks Garcia spent time in a number of professional leagues around the world, playing in the Australian Professional Softball League for the Western Flames, the Japanese Division A Professional Softball League for Club Honda, and the Italian Federation Softball League for Club Forli and Club Caserta.

While she was still playing on the field, Oaks Garcia was also beginning her coaching career. After stops as an assistant at Cal State Fullerton, Azusa Pacific, and Loyola Marymount, Oaks Garcia spent the last four years as the owner and coach of Go Getter Softball. The organization specializes in camps, clinics, and private coaching for high school girls. During her time at Go Getter Softball she has helped develop three USA National players.

"I've been very blessed to play and coach at many different levels," said Oaks Garcia of her past experiences as a player and coach. "It gives me the experience to meet the girls wherever they are at and help make them better. I can't wait to get to know the girls individually and start working with them."

Oaks Garcia will not have to wait long to start working with the team. The softball team will spend the next two weeks in their fall non-traditional season hitting the field with their new coach. After a quick two months off, the Athenas will be back on the field for the spring season. Coach Oaks Garcia is excited to get on the field with the team to prepare for an exciting spring.

"I'm very excited to not only compete to win the conference but also look beyond that and compete at the national level."