Aug. 20, 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – New Grand Rapids Community College softball coach Molly McKinney says she’s focused on creating a culture where student-athletes grow and develop, but also enjoy playing.
McKinney, a Byron Center High Hall of Famer and an collegiate All-American, was named head coach of GRCC’s team by Athletic Director Lauren Ferullo.
"Molly has been a proven leader on the GRCC campus,” Ferullo said. “We will look to her to provide our softball players a great student-athlete experience on and off the field."
McKinney spent the previous year assisting Brian Skudre, who stepped down after five years at the helm.
"I am thrilled with the opportunity to continue with the GRCC Athletics community in this new role,” McKinney said. “I am looking forward to the exciting challenges that this role will bring. There is a lot of opportunity for further growth and development within this program. I look forward to creating a culture that balances competitiveness with the enjoyment softball can provide."
McKinney grew up in West Michigan and played varsity softball for four years at Byron Center. The team played in the Division 2 state finals in her senior year, finishing as runners up. She was voted into the school’s Hall of Fame in 2016.
McKinney started playing travel ball when she was just 10 years old and continued until she was 23, winning a national title while being named Second Team All-American for her performance during travel ball seasons.
She received a scholarship to the University of Maine and started all four years, batting cleanup and playing in the outfield.
The Black Bears won their conference tournament during McKinney’s sophomore year, earning a trip to the regionals for only the second time in the program’s history. The team won the America East conference during her senior year.
McKinney earned a bachelor's degree in Mathematics and Secondary Education in 2006 and later earned her master's degree of Health and Human Performance from Western Michigan University in 2014.
She has been teaching mathematics at GRCC since 2009 and also serves as a tutor.
Before working with GRCC’s softball team, McKinney coached for both Byron Center High School and the University of Maine. She also coached at Frank W. Springstead High School in Spring Hill, Fla.
McKinney said she has high expectations for GRCC’s team. She is excited to cultivate relations with her student-athletes and promote their growth both on and off the field. She looks forward to developing a program the entire GRCC community can be proud of.
Students interested in playing for the Raiders can complete a questionnaire found here, and can contact McKinney at mmckinney@grcc.edu.