After 3 seasons at the helm of the MCC Pioneer Softball program, Shawna Juarez has resigned to take over the head softball coaching duties for the Carroll College Saints.
Juarez was MCC's choice to start the new softball program at MCC in the spring of 2019 with sights set on 1st season of competition in the spring of 2020. The 2020 season was cut short due to Covid-19. Juarez accumulated a record of 57-40-1 in 2+ seasons and led the Pioneers to consecutive Region XIII Championships and a spot in the North Plains District Championship series. Juarez was also named Region XIII Coach of the Year after the 2021 and 2022 seasons.
Athletic Director Jerry Olson announced that Pioneer assistant Coach Erica Dick has been named as the head coach for the Pioneers. Dick has been on the Pioneer coaching staff since the program's inception and will officially take over head coaching duties on August 1. "We are excited to keep the program in the hands of Erica," says MCC Athletic Director Jerry Olson. "She has been with our program since the beginning and has been an integral part of this team and its success."
Dick is a native of Boise, Idaho. Graduating from Boise High School in 2013, she would continue her education at the University of Northern Colorado, where she graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Sports and Exercise Science and a minor in Psychology in 2017. Erica earned Big Sky All- Academic honors all 4 years of her career at University of Northern Colorado. Dick commented on Juarez taking the position at Carroll College. "I want to congratulate Coach Juarez on her new position. She did an incrdible job develping a brand-new program in Miles City guiding the team to the super regionals during each of her first 2 full seasons.
Erica had a notable softball career while at UNC, starting every game at the shortstop position for four years. In her Junior year, she broke the school all time runs record and also lead the nation for triples per game for Division I. Records would continue to fall throughout her senior year, where she broke several offensive school records including hits, RBI's, homeruns, total bases and walks. Defensively she also holds the record for most assists. She was named to the Big Sky 1st team shortstop in 2017. During both her junior and senior year, she was named team captain, and excelled in this leadership role as a mentor to her teammates.
The Pioneers return 5 starters from the Region XIII Championship team.