Plaza will return as Harper's softball coach

The Harper College softball program gained some stability two weeks ago when coach Scott Plaza had the 'interim' portion of his softball coaching job description removed.

Despite a spring in which the Hawks struggled to a 3-25 record, the coach was happy with the way his first season went.

"I was pleased with what we did, with what we had," Plaza said.

Harper athletic director Doug Spiwak understood he was putting Plaza, who had a deep baseball background but had not coached softball, into a difficult situation. For Plaza's debut season, there was no time to strengthen the roster.

"It's not easy (to be competitive) without the opportunity to recruit," Spiwak said.

Softball assistant coach Sean Stochl has also been retained. Along with his recruiting duties as men's basketball head coach, he will be able to scout area softball games.

Plaza enjoys his partnership with Stochl and feels their availability will benefit both programs.

"Having both coaches on campus will be a huge benefit," Plaza said.

Plaza reports that he already has 6-8 incoming softball players in the fold for next season. Unfortunately for the program, All-Region and All-Conference selection Jordan Dallmann will not return for next season.