Campus News
July 15th, 2025
Yanchak hired to lead Lady Lakers' softball team
Morgantown resident brings wealth of experience to new position
Nikki Yanchak has been hired to serve as Garrett College women's softball head coach.
Nikki Yanchak, recently hired as Garrett College's women's softball head coach, said one of the keys to building a successful program is understanding the new recruiting environment.
"We're living in the generation of the transfer portal," said Yanchak, who has coached in all three divisions of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). "My goal is to turn this into a situation where kids come to Garrett, get started on their college education, and prepare to go play at the next level."
Yanchak saw the blank canvas that the Lady Lakers softball program offered as especially attractive. GC played a six-game club schedule this past spring, but will field a varsity squad next spring.
"It's basically a new program I can build from the ground up," Yanchak observed. "I have some experience with that, and I think it'll be an exciting challenge."
Yanchak brings considerable collegiate head coaching experience to her new role. She has been head coach of four different NCAA programs in three states, most recently served as interim head coach for PennWest (PA) California University.
GC's location was a huge selling point to Yanchak, who lives in Morgantown.
"Number one for me is my family, and the opportunity to be a head coach close to home," said Yanchak, who was a four-year letter winner and a two-time all-conference pitcher at Fairmont State (WV) University.
Yanchak's first collegiate head coaching experience came at NCAA Division III Franciscan (OH) University, followed by two seasons at NCAA Division II Alderson Broaddus (WV) University before that university's closure in 2023. She then had interim head coaching stints at two other NCAA Division II universities: West Liberty (WV) University and PennWest California.
Elizabeth Show, GC co-athletics director, said Yanchak was impressive during the interview process.
"With a strong background in recruiting and coaching, deep knowledge of the game, and a passion for developing pitchers, Nikki brings the energy, positivity, and competitive drive needed to build a standout softball program," said Show.
Yanchak is looking forward to getting started with her program-building.
"I'm just very excited for the opportunity," she said. "I appreciate Garrett's trust in me and I'm looking forward to preparing for next season."
