A New Season from the Eyes of Garris

Head softball coach for Southern University, John Garris, has held his position as HC since the 2014 softball season. Since the beginning of his tenure, Coach Garris has led Southern softball to one of the most winningest in the school’s history.
An alumnus of the University of Alabama, Coach Garris has led the Southern softball team to a SWAC tournament appearance every year under his leadership.
Looking towards the 2019 season, Coach Garris will be looking for even more success even with the departure of key Jaguar graduates such as Kierra Suttles, a 2-time SWAC All-Conference catcher who led the nation in home runs per game during her senior season. Suttles graduated from Southern in May of 2018.
Despite the loss of veteran experience and leadership in one of their best players, Coach Garris has had no shortage of success in finding skilled players who want to play for the Jaguars.
“We think that we have some of our junior college players who are brand new here that can contribute some leadership for us. We also think that we have some returning players [like Aubrion James], who is one of the top players in this league.” said Coach Garris.
James was heavily recruited by Garris in her high school days, and with his guidance, the junior pitcher has developed into one of the best pitchers in the SWAC, and perhaps in the country after being named to preseason Second Team All-SWAC.
“She certainly epitomizes the “lead-by-example” [mentality] that you may see in an athlete. People talk about it, but if you want to see it, go see her.” says Garris about his star catcher.
One of the biggest positives that Garris spoke on during media availability earlier in the month, was the versatility he believes this team can play with. With their high school recruits and junior college signees, Southern softball has no shortage of versatile athletes that can be plugged in at multiple positions and spots on the pitcher.
“I spoke with the coaches yesterday, and one of the main things mentioned was that we had a lot of versatility and we can play a lot of people in a lot of spots, and that’s a nice advantage to have.” said Coach Garris.
When asked about expectations for his program this season, Garris admits that he hopes teams come in underestimating them because of some of the talent the Jags have recently lost. Should this be the case, then Garris believes it to be all the best for his squad.
“It’ll allow us to [hopefully] sneak up on some people. More importantly, it can allow us to set our own standard where we expect to be, and we’re going to set it high.” said Garris when asked his thoughts on the upcoming season.
“We’re going in there to compete every time we play, whoever the opponent is. And when the SWAC rolls around, there’s only one champion. And that’s what it’s all about.” continued Garris.
The Jags will be taking on Fairleigh Dickinson for their first of scheduled home game during the 2019 season on February 22 on Jaguar Field.