Episode 4

bonus
Published on:

27th Feb 2024

In The Batter's Box w/ Georgia Tech's Head Coach Aileen Morales

Aileen Morales- Georgia Tech Head Coach

 

BIO

  • 7th season at GT
  • Inducted into Georgia Tech HOF in 2020
  • Previous head coach at Radford, Young Harris

What does it mean to be coaching at your Alma Mater? 

  • 27.8% -- Percentage of Georgia Tech softball games that Head Coach Aileen Morales has either played (program record - 265) or coached (300) in: 565 of 2,031 all time games. Was an assistant at GT 2010-2013
  • Signed the #7 recruit class for 2024

Scheduling

  • Opened the season with 2 games vs Alabama
  • Clearwater Tournament
  • Stanford, LSU, Minnesota, Northwestern (canceled OSU, Tennessee)
  • Couldn’t get a W, but scored 32 runs!

What have you learned about the team so far this season having faced that level of competition and even in general throughout the first 3 weeks?

  • Offensive power
  • In clearwater --- Stanford (7 runs), LSU (8 runs), Minnesota (11 runs), Northwestern (6 runs) (canceled OSU, Tennessee)

Offense across the country is ELITE right now, why do you think that is?

  • DATA!! Visibility!!

GT Power

  • Just this week--17 HRs (8 dif players) .498 OB%, Opponent ERA >10
  • Overall 34 HR’s, .442 OB%,  .365 team BA, Opponent ERA >7… #1 in the country!!

New coaching staff

  • Erin Dixon- pitching from UNCW
  • Hunter Bunch - hitting
  • Kelsey Bennett- recent grad from VT
  • Devon Boland

Any surprises from any athlete so far this year? Exceeding expectations!

  • Mallorie Black-- is this offensive output a surprise to you?
  • ACC pow
  • .476, 7HR,18RBI, 
  • In 1st 3 season, hit 10 HR’s total--has already tied her HR total from last year in just 17 games

Blake Neleman

  • Has been a workhorse for this program, including this year she has thrown 528 innings -- what has she meant to this team?
  • Has some more help around her this year, not just her and Chandler Dennis
  • 7 different pitchers have seen work

How has NIL/Transfer Portal effect you and your coaching? Biggest challenges/adaptions

Big Green Egg?!?! Coach NIL deal ;)

Thank you Coach Morales for joining us on Up the Coast with Alex & Britt!

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About the Podcast

Up the Coast w/ Alex & Britt
an ACC Softball podcast
Go beyond the boxscore w/ a podcast dedicated to ACC softball. Hosted by Alex Powers (FSU) and Brittany McKinney (UNC). Alex and Britt share a deep passion for the game, supporting women in sports, and bringing you what you need to know from across the softball world, with a special focus on the ACC.

Each week, they break down the biggest storylines, standout performances, and key matchups with expert insight, honest analysis, and behind-the-scenes perspective. From elite pitching and offensive trends to player development and conference races, this podcast keeps you informed, entertained, and connected to the game.

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