FULLERTON, Calif. - Cal State Fullerton Softball and head coach Kelly Ford announced the addition of Titan softball alumni Gina Oaks Garcia as assistant coach on Friday morning.
"I am absolutely thrilled to bring an alumnus on board and with such rich and competitive experiences that Coach G has. We are so grateful Director of Athletics Jim Donovan approved the fourth paid full-time coach, making us the only softball program in The Big West that is funding this position," Ford said. "The players already have a hop in their step, and Coach will raise the bar with expectations, production and most importantly teach the value of Titan Pride. Welcome back, Coach!"
Oaks Garcia returns to Cal State Fullerton after serving as head coach at Claremont Mudd Scripps College for six seasons, where she and her staff received SCIAC Coaching Staff of the Year awards in 2018 and 2023. Prior to CMS, Oaks Garcia made successful contributions as an assistant coach at Cal State Fullerton (2005-2006), Azusa Pacific (2010-2012) and Loyola Marymount (2012-2014).
"I am very grateful to have been given this opportunity to come back and coach at my Alma Mater. I have a high level of respect for the program as well as a huge passion for the sport," Oaks Garcia said. "My time at CSUF had a positive impact on my life because of amazing coaches like Michelle Gromacki and Kelly Ford."
During her time as a Titan (2000-2003), the two-time All-American holds the program record in career runs scored (150) and ranks top 10 in total bases (314) and walks (74).
She also pitched a no-hitter at Utah State on March 29, 2002, ranking in the top 10 in career strikeouts (685), wins (74), complete games (72), shutouts (25) and saves (4). She broke the single-game record for RBI (8) against Kansas on Feb. 2, 2001.
"I am excited to be a part of our student athletes' educational journey, learn under the leadership of Kelly Ford, and continue to build off of the high level of success the program continues to display," Oaks Garcia said. "I look forward to winning a Big West title, however ultimately, seeing the growth of each student-athlete on being the best version of themselves is always something I strive for as a coach."
Oaks Garcia's list of accolades obtained as a Titan includes four straight All-Region awards and three straight First Team All-Big West recognitions. She became the first player in Big West history to receive First Team All-Conference at two different positions and was a top 40 finalist for Player of the Year. With the Titans, Oaks Garcia became a four-time Big West Champion named the conference's Scholar-Athlete of the Year.
"Once a Titan, always a Titan!," former legendary Titans Softball head coach Judi Garman said. "Excited to see Titan great Gina Oaks-Garcia returning to the Titans as a coach."
"Gina has always been a devoted and proud Titan," former Titans Softball head coach Michelle Gromacki said. "She helped shape Fullerton softball when she played and while she was my assistant coach, and I am confident she will continue to do so under the direction of head coach Kelly Ford."
Her athletic accomplishments at the collegiate level earned her stints with the USA National Team (1999-2005) and professional softball teams on the East Coast and internationally for 10 years.
She spent five seasons as a National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) player for the New York New Jersey Juggernaut (one season) and the Chicago Bandits (four seasons). Internationally, Oaks Garcia played a season with Australia's Western Flames, two seasons with Japan's Team Honda and two seasons in Italy with Team Forli and Team Caserta.
Away from the field, Oaks Garcia is a wife to Aaron Garcia with whom she shares three children: Grady (9), Hazel (7) and Garrett (4). She is also the proud owner of Gogettersoftball LLC which specializes in pitching, hitting and defense training.
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