UCA softball coach Natalie Shock has resigned her position and will become the athletic department's new compliance and advising coordinator.

Shock, a member of the UCA Sports Hall of Fame, has been the only softball coach at UCA after starting the Bears program in 1996.

"We had been considering developing a new position in athletics to help handle some of the compliance issues and student advising, as well as game management," Athletic director Vance Strange said. "I asked Coach Shock if she would be interested in that position.

"I was tickled to death that she would be willing to take on that responsibility. She brings outstanding organizational skills to our athletic administration and she has very good rapport with the other coaches and the student-athletes.

"I think this is a perfect fit for her and for UCA athletics."

UCA has more than 350 student-athletes, according to Strange, and should be nearing 400 in the near future with the addition of new sports.

"I think this will be a new challenge," Shock said. "I felt like I was young enough at this point to move into administration, and that it might lead to something else in the future. I'll definitely miss coaching, but I felt this was the right time."

Shock, a former NAIA All-American basketball player at UCA, coached the Bears for 10 years. She had a career record of 209-251 and coached 35 All-Gulf South Conference and seven All-Region players.

"I'm proud of what we accomplished here at UCA, seeing the kids go on and succeed in life," Shock said. "I was never more proud than watching (former player) Lisa (Dreher) Spears coaching in the state championship game two weeks ago. I like to think I had a little part in helping her get there.

"And I'm always going to feel like this program is a little bit mine since we started it from scratch. I'll always have that tie. It will always be special to me."

Strange said a committee will begin a search for a new coach next week.





		Shock resigns to become administrator

		Echo Press Services Posted May 28, 2005 12:00 p.m. UCA softball coach Natalie Shock has resigned her position and will become the athletic department's new compliance and advising coordinator. Shock, a member of the UCA Sports Hall of Fame, has been the only softball coach at UCA after starting the Bears program in 1996. "We had been considering developing a new position in athletics to help handle some of the compliance issues and student advising, as well as game management," Athletic director Vance Strange said. "I asked Coach Shock if she would be interested in that position. "I was tickled to death that she would be willing to take on that responsibility. She brings outstanding organizational skills to our athletic administration and she has very good rapport with the other coaches and the student-athletes. "I think this is a perfect fit for her and for UCA athletics." UCA has more than 350 student-athletes, according to Strange, and should be nearing 400 in the near future with the addition of new sports. "I think this will be a new challenge," Shock said. "I felt like I was young enough at this point to move into administration, and that it might lead to something else in the future. I'll definitely miss coaching, but I felt this was the right time." Shock, a former NAIA All-American basketball player at UCA, coached the Bears for 10 years. She had a career record of 209-251 and coached 35 All-Gulf South Conference and seven All-Region players. "I'm proud of what we accomplished here at UCA, seeing the kids go on and succeed in life," Shock said. "I was never more proud than watching (former player) Lisa (Dreher) Spears coaching in the state championship game two weeks ago. I like to think I had a little part in helping her get there. "And I'm always going to feel like this program is a little bit mine since we started it from scratch. I'll always have that tie. It will always be special to me." Strange said a committee will begin a search for a new coach next week.