Darrick Brown has served as The University of Olivet’s head softball coach for three years. His entire coaching career spans more than 26 years to include time leading softball, baseball and hockey teams. Coach Brown’s softball achievements include one professional world championship with the Chicago Bandits and six college conference championships, and these accolades have landed him as a nationally known hitting and pitching instructor. He has traveled to Hawaii, North Carolina, California, Tennessee, Kentucky, and extensively throughout the Midwest and Michigan to teach clinics. In his role at The University of Olivet, Coach Brown especially enjoys using his knowledge and skills to help the Comet softball team grow and achieve never-before feats.
Why do you love The University of Olivet?
I love the family and small town feel.
What is your favorite memory from your time serving OC?
Hands down, sweeping Alma College during the 2018 season.
Where do your passions for coaching and softball stem from?
Definitely from my dad and uncles. I grew up watching my family play fastpitch softball. My dad was major leaguer to me, and when I turned 14, the local league let me play with him. Still today, one of the highlights of my life was playing with my dad.
What is your coaching style like?
I’d say I coach in a combination of autocratic and democratic styles. With that said, I’m 100 percent about family and creating a family like culture.
What’s the average day in your role, or some of the unique things you are responsible for?
After getting my two sons off to school, I make the 55-minute drive to OC. Mornings might be athletics or admissions meetings, returning emails, scheduling or planning. We typically hold afternoon practice and then I drag field. Often, I also meet with my players after practice one-on-one or as a team. I end my day by returning emails and making the drive back home. During the drive home, I enjoy speaking with future Comets. If it’s an early night, I speak with students in the Midwest. Later nights give me the perfect chance to speak with students on the west coast since it’s three hours difference. It’s not uncommon for some of these calls to end around midnight.
Why do you encourage students to attend OC?
I think the family atmosphere is great at OC! Students even get to know the college president, and it’s obvious everybody cares about the students and their success.
What do you look forward to in your role?
I’m looking forward to the continued progress in the softball program and future championships.
What advice do you share with students?
The best advice I can give students is to be kind and love everybody. Be a part of creating the best family atmosphere possible on campus and beyond.
What is an interesting or little known fact about yourself?
I struck out Derek Jeter a few times!
Learn more about The University of Olivet by visiting campus. Just let us know you’re interested in the softball team, and we’ll arrange lunch or a special meeting with the awesome coaches. For questions, contact the Office of Admissions at 800.456.7189 or admissions@uolivet.edu.