WEST PLAINS, Mo. – A new assistant coach has been hired for the Grizzly Softball team at Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP).
Head Coach Ryan Hargrove has announced that Alec Matlock has joined him as assistant coach. Matlock’s first day with the team was Sept. 9.
“It did not take long to see that Alec has a passion for coaching, the drive to better student-athletes and the knowledge of the game of softball – all the things we’re looking for in the Grizzly Softball program,” Hargrove said. “He may be in the early stages in terms of a coaching career, but he brings a wealth of experience from his previous stops.”
More about Coach Matlock
A native of Beebe, Arkansas, Matlock comes to MSU-WP after serving as the second assistant softball coach at Southern Utah University in Cedar City during the 2023-2024 season. He assisted with planning and implementing practices, scouting, individual coaching sessions, maintaining equipment and a variety of other duties.
During his tenure, the Thunderbirds had their best start in 10 years and best winning percentage since 2014. The team also was second in the Western Athletic Conference in homeruns with 40.
As an assistant softball coach at Clarksville High School in Clarksville, Arkansas, he helped lead the Lady Panthers to second place finishes in the conference and district during the 2022 and 2023 seasons. The team’s winning percentage during the 2022 season was its best since 2008.
He also helped coach four class 4 all state and seven class 4 all conference honorees and saw two of his student-athletes advance their careers to the collegiate level.
Matlock’s coaching experience also includes the Beebe High School American Legion team, which won the 2024 state championship; the River Valley Legends 8U softball team, which won the state championship; and the Sluggers Baseball Club.
Matlock received a Bachelor of Science in Health and Physical Education degree from Arkansas Tech University in Russellville in 2022 and is working on his master’s degree in sports management through Missouri State University in Springfield.
Already making an impact
Although he’s only been with the Grizzlies a short time, Matlock has already been a great asset to the team, Hargrove said.
“He jumped right in and got to work,” Hargrove explained. “At the junior college level, coaching staffs are not usually large, therefore the coaches wear many hats, and Coach Matlock is no expection. He will contribute to every facet of the team in some form or fashion. As a staff our goal is to grow this program academically, athletically, personally and professionally. The addition of Coach Matlock helps us trend in the right direction toward those goals. I am looking forward to seeing what our players and staff can do. We are glad he is a part of the Grizzly family!”
Matlock said he is looking forward to sharing what he has learned with the team.
“By applying the valuable lessons I’ve gained from my coaching experiences and the incredible opportunities I’ve had, I am committed to bringing that knowledge and energy to MSU-WP,” he said. “My focus is on fostering a high-energy environment, cultivating accountability and promoting ownership – key elements that drive both individual and team success for our student-athletes.”
For more information about the Grizzly Softball team, visit MSUWPGrizzlies.com.
