Former Longtime KSU Softball Coach Releases Memoir

Since retiring in 2013 as one of the all-time winningest and most-respected coaches in NCAA softball history, Scott Whitlock has had some time to reflect. Coaching for nearly three decades has given Whitlock a unique and interesting perspective on life – along with some very entertaining stories. Having seen it all, not only on the field, but behind the scenes, Whitlock shares many of his favorite memories in his memoir, I Wasn’t Expecting All This: Memorable Moments from a Grateful Coach. He feels the stories in the book can create laughter as well as tears. Most importantly, the stories make you think.

“There were several reasons why I chose to write the book,” Whitlock said. “I wanted to share my career experiences and lessons learned; I wanted an avenue in which I could say ‘thank you’ to the scores of people who made my career possible and so fulfilling; I wanted to introduce the world to some of the people who I love – they are a special and interesting bunch; and I wanted give readers a chance to laugh.”

Whitlock’s illustrious, 28-year career began in 1985, when Kennesaw State University (KSU) hired him as assistant women’s basketball coach and assistant slowpitch softball coach. In 1986, he took over as head softball coach and was instrumental in building one of the greatest college softball programs in the country. Whitlock was the driving force behind the program’s successful transition from slowpitch at the NAIA level to fastpitch at the NAIA, NCAA Division II, and Division I levels.

Competing at the D-II level, Whitlock guided his teams to back-to-back national championships in 1995 and 1996. His 1999 and 2000 seasons marked one of the best two-year runs in softball history when his Owls combined for 108 wins against only 15 loses—a winning percentage of .878. For 12 consecutive years (1991-2002), Whitlock led KSU to a final top-10 national ranking. In his 21 seasons coaching fastpitch, Whitlock compiled an overall record of 997-296 (.771), placing him near the top in most NCAA softball coaching categories.

“It's no surprise that Scott Whitlock was able to fashion a great book about his life and coaching career at KSU,” said Dr. Dave Waples. “I was fortunate to be his athletic director at KSU and saw many of these stories unfold. Scott offers the reader insights to many people who made KSU a great place to work. The sports fan will love this book.”

Reflecting on some of his favorite moments chronicled in his book, Whitlock cited the stories regarding his former players in which he felt privileged to coach, the inside story of the 1995 national championship team, humorous stories surrounding his good friend Coach Mike Candrea, and memories of his family. Additional topics of his memoir include managing from no expectations to unrealistic expectations, how youth sports have radically changed in America, handling a job offer from a prominent “dream” school, and the heartbreak of losing a best friend.

As a result of his stellar career, Whitlock was inducted into the National Fastpitch Coaches Hall of Fame as well as the Georgia Dugout Club Hall of Fame. Although he is no longer coaching, he continues to be a mainstay within KSU athletics serving as its senior associate athletics director. In his current role, he works on the management of capital projects, as well as serving as the program administrator for men’s golf, softball, women’s golf, and volleyball. Whitlock also travels the country as a highly sought-after speaker for softball coaches conventions and clinics.