Morgan State University Athletics

The Athletics Department at Morgan State University is pleased to welcome Melisa Shock as the university's new Head Softball Coach. With more than 20 years of coaching experience, a strong record of achievement at the college level, and most recently Head Coach at Barton College, Shock is poised to make a positive impact on Morgan State softball.
 
"I'm happy that Coach Shock will be joining our team Morgan State," said Dena Freeman-Patton, Vice President and Director of Athletics. "She has a successful history of building teams wherever she has been, focusing on player development, academic success, and program growth. We have no hesitation she will bring those same qualities to the National Treasure."
 
At Barton College, Shock led the Bulldogs to 81 wins in three years - the most in school history for any three-year span and had the school's first-ever NCAA Division II regional ranking. Her teams produced three consecutive Conference Tournament Final Four appearances and established multiple program records, including single-season highs in stolen bases, runs, home runs, and strikeouts. She coached and recruited multiple All-Conference, All-Region, Academic All-American, and All-Tournament players.
 
"I want to thank Vice President and Director of Athletics Dena Freeman-Patton, Associate Athletic Director Richard Epps Jr., and the entire search committee for the opportunity to lead the Morgan State University softball program," said Shock. "After speaking with AD Freeman-Patton about her vision for athletics, I knew I wanted to be a part of Morgan Athletics. Morgan is a university on the rise, and I'm eager to help elevate Bear Softball to new heights. This is already a reputable program with a strong foundation, and I'm honored to have the opportunity to build on that success. The future is bright and I look forward to honoring that tradition while leading the program into an even brighter future."
 
Prior to joining Barton, Shock served as an assistant coach at Valparaiso University, where she helped triple the total number of wins by the team in a single year and yielded a pitching staff that significantly lowered its ERA. She also coached for two years at Frostburg State as the Associate Head Coach, where she guided the pitching staff to the conference's top ranks and helped the program establish new standards of defensive competency and academic achievement.
 
As an athlete, Shock was a standout pitcher and team captain at Wittenberg University, where she led the Tigers to 60 victories and a deep postseason run in the North Coast Athletic Conference.
 
"Morgan State's primary focus was to identify someone who shared our commitment to the student-athlete experience, academic excellence, and winning culture," said Richard Epps, Associate Athletic Director for Internal Operations. "Coach Shock's work ethic, character, experience as a coach and player makes her an outstanding fit to lead our softball program."