Flagler softball welcomes new assistant coach

By Victoria Jolley | gargoyle@flagler.edu

With Flagler College softball coach Kristen Overton on a maternity leave of absence, Mike Sokol has a huge role ahead of him. Sokol joins Meghan Burke and Samantha Boatner as the newest assistant coach for Flagler’s softball team.

After coaching at Daytona State College, Sokol was hired by Overton to be one of three assistants. The one word she described when it came to finding a new assistant coach was “stressful.” Overton said she had only met and talked to Sokol once before hiring him, but she was aware of his credentials and was sure that he would be a great addition to this program.

“I knew he knew what he was doing, but him not knowing me and not knowing how we were going to work together made me a little nervous,” Overton said.

Sokol brings a plethora of coaching experience along to help aid Overton, which will be especially beneficial in the wake of her absence. From coaching high school ball and thus ascending into the college ranks, Sokol has stacked up many achievements, some of which he hopes to add in his career at Flagler.

Sokol’s track record began at Flagler Palm Coast High School, where he led the Lady Bulldogs to a 243-19 record, including four regional finals appearances, four district titles and four undefeated regular seasons. Sokol also earned Five-Star Conference Coach of the Year honors eight times while he was there.

Soon after, Sokol took over at Daytona State College, where he coached the Falcons for several years. While at Daytona, Sokol helped coach them to nine consecutive appearances at the state tournament. They won the Mid-Florida Conference title one time, too.

Overton believes that Sokol will be a great fit for the program because of his previous experience as a coach and also his playing experience as well. While he was serving in the Navy during the Vietnam War, Sokol was part of the Navy’s softball team and traveled around playing other Naval bases.

Four-year veteran Kaylyn Loverich is also excited for the upcoming season with Sokol. She is expected to the lead the team from the mound this upcoming season.

“Coach Sokol is a calming influence and provides constructive feedback during our bullpen sessions,” she said. “I feel that our pitching staff will be both mentally and physically prepared for the upcoming season.”