Springfield, Mass. – June 4, 2025 – Springfield College Director of Athletics, Dr. Craig Poisson, is pleased to announce that Sam Garcia G'25 has been named as the Diane L. Potter '57 Head Softball Coach at Springfield College and assistant professor of physical education.

"In an elevated role last academic year, Coach Garcia excelled in her efforts on and off the diamond as it relates to the overall growth and development of our softball student-athletes," said Poisson. "Sam's approach to teaching and coaching, along with her genuine care and concern for those on the softball diamond align well with the traits for whom the position is named - the legendary Dr. Potter. I look forward to Sam's continued impact pivoting from lead coach to head coach."

Garcia guided the Pride to one of its most successful seasons in program history this past spring as the lead coach for the program. Springfield secured its sixth 30-win season in Division III program history, earned the third seed in the 2025 New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) Championship Tournament and then saw the team earn an at-large selection to the NCAA Division III National Tournament for the first time since 2017.

"It is such an honor to be named the next Diane L. Potter '57 Head Softball Coach at Springfield College. I want to thank Dr. Poisson, Athletics Department, Coach Potter, and everyone who is currently or has been a part of the Springfield College softball program," said Garcia. "There is such a rich history of success built through the foundation of this program and I am truly humbled to be given the opportunity to be a part of it full time and take it to new heights. I also want to thank my parents and past coaches who have given me the courage to chase my dream of being a head coach as well as guided me throughout this process. I can't wait to get back to work this fall!"

Garcia played collegiate softball at Long Island University in 2023 with degrees in secondary education and social science. Garcia, a native of West Covina, California, was a three-time Northeast Conference (NEC) Spring Academic Honor Roll award winner, appeared in 113 career games and guided the Sharks to an NEC Championship title in 2023. Garcia and Long Island University went on to make an NCAA appearance at the University of Alabama.

Garcia graduated with her master's degree in education from Springfield College in the spring of 2025.

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