Spotlight On Softball Head Coach Denny Griffin
By Chelsey VolantSports Information Student Assistant
Read Head Coach Denny Griffin's Bio - Click HERE!
What are your goals for the upcoming season? "My goals are to field a championship caliber team, win the MIAA Championship, Regional and National Championship. However, to achieve those goals we have to work on the skills needed in playing great softball. Without the ground work, none of the championships will come to pass."
What is your motto (if you have one) that you live by? How does it motivate your team?
"Over the years we have had numerous sayings and mottos. This year is 'Traditions Never Graduate'. We have had great traditions over the years, not just in winning eight-straight MIAA Championships, but in our work ethic, enthusiasm and how we approach the game of softball. I believe those are some of the ingredients of a successful program."
Another one I use is 'Those Who Stay Will Be Champions'. There is a lot of hard work and commitment needed to play and succeed in collegiate athletics. For a woman to graduate in four years, have success in whatever sport they are playing and grow as an individual is a champion in my book. Not everyone can do this, which is why I believe by achieving those three goals they truly are champions."
Why did you choose to coach here at Alma College?
"Dumb luck. I was working here as an athletic trainer when the current softball coach asked me to help him. After two years he left for another job and I took over. It was a case of right place, right time. It’s been a great run so far."
What was your best experience while playing sports?
"During my playing days it was playing in the Silverdome and winning the state championship in football my senior year of high school. As far as coaching, naturally all the MIAA Championships are at the top. But I imagine that the 1994 season has a special place in my heart as it was the first regional championship for the program and we worked through some adversity and found success."
If you could change one thing about your past in athletics what would it be and why?
"Tough question. Nothing really, because you learn from all your mistakes and that makes you better, as an athlete and as an individual."
How did you know that you wanted to coach softball?
"I played baseball forever, so softball was an easy sport to coach. As I said, I really never thought I would be a head coach of a college softball team. My goals were toward the athletic training world. But as we all know, life throws different pitches at you all the time and how you handle them is what makes the experience."
What got you interested in athletics?
"My dad, just playing with him in the backyard, playing catch, throwing the football, swimming, fishing, hunting, etc."
What was your worst experience playing sports?
"Getting cut from the Hope College baseball team my freshman year. Playing baseball in the spring had been a big part of me – that’s the main reason I hate to ever cut anyone from the softball team."
What is the greatest feeling when you are playing sports?
"The exhilaration of winning the big game, coming back from the jaws of defeat and pulling out a win."
Do you think your life would be different if you had not played sports? Why?
"Definitely. I would not have met and got the opportunity to know all the different people sports allows you to experience. Working hard for a common goal and how much can you accomplish within yourself is a big aspect of athletics and it carries over into everything else."
Posted: Wed, February 9th, 2005 at 11:28AM
