Meet LTHS's New Varsity Softball Coach

Submitted by Lyons Township High School.

The Lyons Township High School is proud to announce Nicole C. Marinec as the new Lions varsity softball coach.

Marinec has coached the LT freshman team since 2012, with a record of 90 wins and 30 losses. In 2014, the freshmen were co-conference champs, followed by an undefeated season in 2015 as conference champions.

Beyond her LT coaching experience, she has an impressive resume, which includes a winning record in travel softball and top honors as a player herself. She coached the 16u Premier/18u Gold Beverly Bandits, one of the top teams in the country during the 2011-2012 season. She was also an assistant coach for the Rippit Fastpitch Softball program and gives hitting, catching and infield lessons.

As a player, she was the starting catcher for Western Illinois University from 2007-2011 and was the team captain her senior year. In a total of 201 games over her college career, she played in 187 and started in 182. She was the recipient of the 2011 All-Summit League First Team Selection, an All-Summit Distinguished Scholar, and a two-time recipient of the All-Summit Commissioner’s list of Academic Excellence.

Marinec prides herself on good communication and organization, with excellent disciplinary skills and management of athletes.

She says, “I’m most excited about sharing all of the knowledge I have gained over my long career of playing and coaching. I feel I have a lot of skills and insight to share with the girls that will help them to become better athletes, and they will also be able to take away attributes that will help them off the field. I’m really excited for coaching at such a competitive level and to see the girls rise to the challenge of being in tougher situations.

Athletic Director John Grundke says, “Coach Marinec has the vision and the skills to provide our young ladies with what they need to be successful both on the softball field and in life after high school. We are excited about what she brings to our program. Her past leadership opportunities both as a division I softball player and as a coach have given her the experience that will make her a successful head softball coach.”

“I’m inspired by the girls’ work ethic and their drive to become better players and to reach their full potential at the varsity level. I’m also inspired by the community and coaching staff that already supports the program and does a tremendous job helping each team to prepare for their upcoming season,” Marinec added.

Off the field, she teaches mathematics at LT. Marinec received a bachelor’s degree in math from Western Illinois University and a graduate degree from Saint Xavier University, Chicago.

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Photo courtesy of LTHS District 204