Coach Ben Garcia is OJC’s new head women’s softball coach. Prior to joining OJC, Garcia coached for 20 years at Pueblo East High School in Pueblo. At Pueblo East he guided his team to 18 state appearances; placing runner-up in 1998, 2003, 2004, and 2005, with a 399 – 106 overall record. He has been selected to coach the All-State Games five times. Garcia also coached the Eagle girls basketball team for eight years, guiding them to seven state appearances and two final fours.
Garcia graduated from the University of Southern Colorado in 1979 with a BA in Education. He played baseball at USC for four years. Shortly after graduating from USC, Garcia took a job with the Pueblo Chemical Deport as director of emergency management. He recently retired from that position after a 32-year career.
While employed with the government he had the opportunity to travel and play for various teams both softball and basketball. He was named to the All-Army Softball Team in 1990 – 1992 while stationed in Seoul, Korea. Garcia has played in over 35 World and National Fast Pitch Softball Tournaments being named to the All-World Team in 1982 and First Team All-American ASA in 2006.
Garcia was inducted into the Colorado Amateur Softball Association Hall of Fame in 2005, Pueblo Greater Sports Hall of Fame in 2007 and Pueblo Fast Pitch Hall of Fame in 2010.
Garcia said he accepted the position at OJC because of the strong traditions of the college and administration. He said his goal for the Lady Rattlers is to win a national championship.
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