CLEVELAND, Miss. - Delta State Athletics mourns the loss of John Garris, former Head Coach for the Delta State Lady Softball program from 1994 to 1998. DSU extends its sincere condolences to his family and friends.
 
Garris' first head coaching stop was at Delta State in 1994 where he turned a program that had gone 8-32 the previous year into a force in the Gulf South Conference in just two seasons. After a 24-win inaugural campaign, DSU finished with 32 wins in his second season. During his third season, the Lady Statesman captured the school's first 40-win season and were regionally ranked for the first time as Garris would also be named the GSC Coach of the Year in 1997. During his five seasons, the Lady Statesmen had ten players earn All-GSC honors.
 
That 40-win season started a spark, where the Lady Statesmen would go on to win three consecutive GSC West titles in 1996, 1997 and 1998. Garris' teams are often credited with being the catalyst to the championship culture for which the Lady Statesmen became nationally known.
 
During the Garris era, he coached three softball players who have been inducted into the Delta State Athletics Hall of Fame. Catcher Jeannie Crnkovic and Catcher/Utility player Laura Simpson are Hall of Famers who played for Garris, and his first recruit, Mandi (Foster) Wixson is the only Softball player to have her #12 green and white jersey retired. Further, two members of Garris' last recruiting class, Casey (Bourgoyne) Charles and Nicki (Genre) Olinde have been inducted.
 
While at Delta State his players ranked in the top ten nationally in grade point average. First Baseman/Third Baseman Elizabeth Pelezo was twice named an Academic All-American. All of Garris' players graduated. He has been recounted by his players as emphasizing character and program above all else.
 
Garris received his undergraduate and two master's degrees from the University of Alabama. He earned an educational specialist degree from Delta State.
 
 
Quotes from Former Lady Statesmen in Garris' Memory
"Coach Garris brought me to Delta State in 1998 and for that I am forever thankful to him. 
I was fortunate to see him relatively often when I was coaching. He called me on FaceTime
when I finished my last chemotherapy treatment.  His love for his people goes far beyond the game. All these years later his smile, long stories, support, positivity and love
for people and coaching was always evident." – Casey Bourgoyne-Charles, Delta State Hall of Fame Class of 2024, Former Lady Statesmen Head Coach.
 
"I had the honor of being one of the softball players Coach Garris recruited during his last year at Delta State, part of the 1998 recruiting class.  Although he left DSU before the season began and I never had the opportunity to play for him, his belief in my potential changed the course of my life. Attending DSU and playing softball for the University led me to lifelong friendships and personal growth, ultimately resulting in numerous pitching achievements at the school, GSC, and NCAA level. His recruiting me to Delta State opened the door to these experiences and will always be thankful for his impact. His family and close friends remain in my thoughts and prayers. I know he will be sorely missed, but I hope there is comfort in knowing that he leaves behind a legacy of kindness, determination, and the ability to see the best in everyone he came in contact with, both on and off the softball field." – Nicole Genre-Olinde, 2002 GSC West Player of the Year and Delta State Hall of Fame Class of 2013.
 
"I will remember Coach Garris, not for his early morning conditioning or championship games. I will remember his commitment to leading us with humility and self-sacrifice for the greater good of those he cared about. I will remember the life lessons of unconditional loyalty and selflessness that will forever live on in his legacy."- Elizabeth Pelezo, Two-Time Academic All-American Played from 1994-99.
 
"I'm so saddened by Coach Garris' passing. He was not only a great leader on the field but also a mentor and friend who changed the trajectory of my life by giving me the opportunity to play at Delta State and later work at Sam Houston. I feel fortunate to have learned from him in both places, where his dedication continued to inspire me. His passion for the game and genuine care for others will never be forgotten. He will be deeply missed, and I will always treasure our friendship." – Dana Bradshaw George, Delta State Athletics Senior Executive Associate A.D. for Compliance, Academics, and Internal Operations/SWA, and Member of the 1997-98 GSC West Division Champions.
 
"Being recruited by Coach Garris provided me with the opportunity to finish my athletic career as a two-sport collegiate athlete. My time at Delta State enabled me to gain experiences on the field and in the classroom that laid the foundation for my future work with athletes from high school to college and the professional levels. I am thankful for my time at Delta State, as it made a lasting impact on who I am today. And I am thankful to Coach Garris for that initial recruiting call and recruiting trip that led me to my future team and teammates, creating lifelong memories and friendships." – Stacey Flores, Member of the 1995-96 and 1996-97 GSC West Division Champions.