Contributed article
THATCHER — EAC head softball coach Kate McCluskey announced Friday she is stepping down after 33 seasons with the Gila Monsters.
Assistant Coach Alexis Aguirre will step in as the Interim Head Softball Coach, leading the team for the 2023-24 season.
In a coaching career that spanned more than three decades, McCluskey established a legacy of elevating the game of softball, growing women’s sports, helping build a championship program, and giving back to the community.
McCluskey began her career at EAC in January 1990. She led her teams to Arizona Community College Athletic Conference championships in 1998, 2007, 2015, 2016 and 2023. Under her leadership, EAC’s Softball Team was named Region 1 Champions in 2007, 2015, 2018 and 2023; and had many national site visits. McCluskey held the National Fastpitch Coaches Association Victory Club 1,000 Career Wins in 2018 and was inducted into the ACCAC Hall of Fame in 2019. For her efforts, she received ACCAC Coach of the Year honors in 1995, 1998, 2007 and 2012.
“I am blessed to have amazing support and resources from Eastern Arizona College, our fans, colleagues, family, and friends in the Gila Valley,” McCluskey said. “My assistant coaches carried me through the years and without each of them our successes would not be as great. The Gila Valley and EAC embraced me as a coach and our softball program for over 30 years. I graduated with a master’s degree from Western New Mexico University and am a proud alumna from EAC. I’m a Gila Monster for life.”
McCluskey finished her coaching career with a 2022-23 overall season record of 44-19. She received the West District Coach of the Year as her team advanced to the National Tournament in Oxford, Ala.
McCluskey will stay on with Eastern Arizona College to run the Wellness Center and continue aiding the athletic program.
