The Top 15 Softball Stories of 2019: #5… Geri Ann Glasco Dies in Car Accident… Softball Community Mourns, Rallies Behind Glasco Family

By @BruntjensElla

Remembering Geri Ann Glasco. Photo via Louisiana-Lafayette softball.

We continue our list of the Top 15 Softball Stories of 2019, which will run through December 31^st when we’ll present our No. 1 story of the year.

Here are the previous stories (clink on link to read):

We’ve surveyed the softball community and talked internally as well to come up with what were the most impactful and relevant stories of the year pertaining to the world of fastpitch softball.

Where applicable, we are providing links to the original articles and/or references when the story first happened.

Today’s story… #5: Geri Ann Glasco Dies in Car Accident… The softball community was stunned when well-liked college and pro softball star Geri Ann Glasco, daughter of popular Louisiana-Lafayette head coach Gerry Glasco, died January 24, 2019 in a car accident in Texas. The grace and dignity shown by Coach Glasco and his family was reciprocated with an outpouring of love and support for Geri Ann and her family. In her honor, the NFCA announced in February a memorial scholarship in the young athlete’s honor for aspiring female softball coaches.

To provide comments, insights or thoughts, email: [email protected].

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Life can be so unfair sometimes.

The Glasco family with Geri Ann (far right) during her playing career at Oregon.

It was hard to make sense of the loss of Geri Ann Glasco, the talented softball player and aspiring young coach who was just weeks away from working with her father, Gerry Glasco, as a volunteer assistant coach for the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns.

Geri Ann was involved in a multi-vehicle crash on January 24, 2019 that killed her and another driver.

After a successful playing career that saw her earn honors first at the Univ. of Georgia and then at Oregon, she was in the early stages of what looked to be a promising coaching career.

As painful as was the loss of the 24-year-old beloved daughter, teammate and coach, equally inspiring and moving was the strength and fortitude of Coach Glasco and his family (Geri Ann was the youngest of three children in the family).

The softball world, in turn, rallied behind the Glasco family.

“The outpouring of love and support by the softball community has given our family strength and courage,” Coach Glasco told Extra Inning Softball today. “We will always be grateful for the kindness shown in this time of such a great loss to our family.”

Within a month the NFCA announced an annual memorial scholarship would be given annually in honor of the former college standout. In October, the first award was bestowed on Vada Blue Sherrill from Pfeiffer and she was honored at the NFCA convention in December.

It will be a lasting legacy to Geri Ann, along with the memories she left for those that knew her personally and those who rooted for her as a softball talent.

“Geri Ann’s greatest gift to softball was her love and enthusiasm which she found in the game,” her father added and finished with this selfless express of gratitude. “We can appreciate the love of others as it helps fill the daily void left by the absence of her great presence in our daily lives.”

— Brentt Eads, Extra Inning Softball

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Articles are listed in reverse chronological order…

Breaking News: Geri Ann Glasco, Daughter of Louisiana-Lafayette Head Softball Coach Gerry Glasco, Killed In Car Accident (UPDATED)

Originally published January 24, 2019 on Extra Inning Softball

Geri Ann Glaso was a standout player at Georgia and then Oregon. Photo: GoDucks.com.

We are a softball community that competes, celebrates and occasionally mourns together.

This is one of those times…

Our hearts are heavy this morning with the tragic news of the passing of softball standout Geri Ann Glasco, daughter of Louisiana-Lafayette Head Coach Gerry Glasco and his wife Vickie.

Below is a report from ESPN1420.com with excerpts from its article today.

First, a Facebook post from Coach Glasco he put up today.

We are gathering tributes to Geri Ann and the family… if you would like to write something that may be published, please email: [email protected]

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Cajuns Volunteer Softball Coach Killed in Car Accident

— by Jay Walker

The Ragin’ Cajuns family suffered a tragic loss this morning when Geri Ann Glasco, daughter of Cajuns’ head softball coach Gerry Glasco and his wife Vickie, was killed in an automobile accident this morning.

The accident occurred at Louisiana Avenue at I-10 and is still under investigation.

Geri Ann Glasco, 24, was the youngest of Gerry and Vickie’s three children. She had joined the staff a few months ago as the Cajuns’ new volunteer assistant coach.

The accident occurred shortly after 1:00 am. Troop I was notified of a crash involving multiple vehicles on I-10 eastbound east of Louisiana Ave. in Lafayette Parish. 45-year-old Kenneth McNeil of Houston, TX was also killed in the accident.

The preliminary investigation revealed that 67-year-old William Rawlings of Killeen, TX was driving a 2010 Freightliner 18-wheeler eastbound on I-10 when he encountered slow moving traffic in an active construction zone.

For unknown reasons, Rawlings was unable to slow down in a timely manner and struck the rear of a 2015 Dodge Ram pickup driven by McNeil. That initial crash began a chain reaction involving a total of five vehicles.

McNeil’s vehicle was pushed into Glasco’s vehicle, a 2017 Ford Escape. Glasco’s Ford then struck the rear of a second 18-wheeler, which in turn struck another 18-wheeler.

During her playing career, Geri Ann was the SEC Co-Freshman of the Year at Georgia and was a two-time, first team all-region performer at Oregon.

Geri Ann began her coaching career in 2017 as a student assistant on Oregon’s staff. She also served on the staffs of Mt. Hood Community College and Sandy High School and was a lessons instructor at The Bat Company before departing Oregon for Louisiana.

(KPEL’s Bernadette Lee, Rob Kirkpatrick and Brandon Comeaux, along with Troop I, contributed to this story.)

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Geri Ann Glasco Remembered: Teams She Played/Coached for Release Statements

Originally published January 25, 2019 on Extra Inning Softball

The softball world is still stunned from the news yesterday that former pro and college standout Geri Ann Glasco–the daughter of Louisiana-Lafayette Head Coach Gerry Glaso–was killed in a car accident yesterday in Lafayette, Louisiana.

Below are releases from each of the teams she was involved in over the last few years…

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Louisiana Athletics Mourns Loss of Geri Ann Glasco

Louisiana Athletics and the entire Ragin’ Cajuns community mourns today the loss of Geri Ann Glasco, daughter of head coach Gerry Glasco and volunteer softball coach with the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns.

Geri Ann Glasco passed away early Thursday morning as result of a motor vehicle accident.

“We are devastated by this news, and are focused on supporting Coach Glasco and Vickie, their family and our softball program,” Director of Athletics Bryan Maggard said. “We all loved Geri Ann and the spirit she brought to the Ragin’ Cajuns family while positively impacting our student-athletes. We are praying for the Glasco family during this remarkably difficult time.”

The youngest of Gerry and Vickie Glasco’s three children, Geri Ann was known as much for her giving nature as her softball prowess. She was an active volunteer in the Eugene, Oregon, community as a student-athlete at the University of Oregon from 2015-16. Glasco worked at the Center for Autism and Related Disorders in Portland, Oregon, and also accumulated more than 300 volunteer hours helping in local elementary schools.

Twice Glasco was named NFCA First Team All-Region on the diamond for the Ducks. Prior to Oregon, she earned Southeastern Conference Co-Freshman of the Year at Georgia. She earned NFCA Second Team All-Region recognition as a sophomore for the Bulldogs in 2014.

Louisiana Athletics asks for prayer and support for the Glasco family.

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UO Athletics Mourns the Loss of Geri Ann Glasco

Statement from UO Athletics and the Oregon Softball program on the loss of Geri Ann Glasco:

“Oregon Softball and the UO Athletics family is devastated to learn of the passing of Geri Ann Glasco, and we extend our deepest sympathies to Geri Ann’s family, friends, and former teammates. Geri Ann was an amazing young woman who always had an extremely positive impact on everyone that she met. We were privileged to have Geri Ann as a member of the Duck family, and she will forever be in our hearts.”

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Georgia Remembers Former Bulldog Geri Ann Glasco

“Geri Ann was one of the most kind and loving people I have ever known,” said head coach Lu Harris-Champer. “I remember her infectious smile, open heart, and giving soul. This is a loss you never truly recover from; but we can cherish the time we shared and the memories we made. The only peace comes from knowing that she is in a better place. As much as our hearts ache now, we know that we will see her again. My heart goes out to her family, teammates, and to all who loved her.”

Glasco attended Oconee County High School in Watkinsville where was named the 2012 National and Georgia Gatorade Player of the Year and was a four-time First Team All-State selection in Georgia.

She was a member of the Georgia softball team in 2013 and 2014 where she was a force in the circle and a hitting threat at the plate. In 2013, she was named the SEC Co-Freshman of the Year and earned Louisville Slugger/NFCA and Easton All-American distinction. In 2014, Glasco helped lift Georgia’s first SEC Tournament trophy.

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NPF Social Media Post

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Jenna Lilley’s Loving Tribute to Geri Ann Glasco: “My Forever Teammate, Friend & Angel”

Originally published January 27, 2019 on Extra Inning Softball

Geri Ann Glasco (left) and Jenna Lilley would win two Pac-12 championships together (2015, ’16) and became fast friends even before they played on the same field with the Oregon Ducks.

Jenna Lilley and Geri Ann Glasco were Oregon Duck teammates in 2015 and ’16 when the program would go a collective 99-18, but their friendship starting well before that and would continue up until Geri Ann was killed in this week in Lafayette, Louisiana in a multi-vehicle accident.

Geri Ann would also be with Jenna during the 2017 season as a student assistant coach when the Ducks would make it to the semis of the World College World Series.

Both had prestigious careers before they made it to college.

Jenna (left) and Geri Ann would meet while they were still playing club ballin 2012. Here they pose for a photo at the 2012 PGF Nationals.

Jenna was an All-American at Hoover High in North Canton, Ohio and led the team to four Div. I state championships. She was also ranked as the No. 1 player in the Class of 2014 by Extra Inning Softball’s Brentt Eads and would have great club ball success with the Beverly Bandits.

Geri Ann would lead her Oconee County (Watkinsville, Georgia) High team to a pair of Class 3A state championships, earn All-State honors four times and would be named the 2012 Gatorade High School National Player of the Year.

She played travel ball with Southern Force and would play at Georgia for two years–her father, Gerry Glasco, was an assistant coach for the Bulldogs from 2009 to 2014–before she would take the field with Jenna in Eugene.

Jenna explains how the two future great friends first met.

“When I used to take hitting lessons from Taylor Schlopy in Akron when she played on the Akron Racers, she would always talk about Geri Ann. From her, we got connected and I met Geri Ann one groggy day after I broke my arm at the ESPN Fall Florida tournament. We had mutual Southern Force and Beverly Bandits friends as well. We met for a breakfast with everyone that morning and the rest is history!”

We reached out to Jenna this week to get her thoughts on her long-time friend and below is her beautifully-written message to Geri Ann…

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Eight years ago, you walked into my life.

From the moment I met you, I knew you were very special. Getting to know you more throughout high school made me believe that even further.

These Duck teammates in 2015 & 2016 would win Pac-12 titles both years. Top row (l-r): Jenna Lilley, Nikki Udria, Stevie Jo Knapp, Geri Ann Glasco; bottom row (l-r): Danica Mercado, Hailey Decker, Lauren Lindvall.

We had such a strong connection in our early days of knowing each other… and then two years later our worlds united at Oregon, a place that was brand new for both of us, yet you made me feel so at home.

That connection grew deeper and created a friendship I’ll cherish forever.

You were the type of person who made those around you feel like they could be their full, authentic selves.

I needed that, G.

You always gave me reassurance and reminded me everything was going to be okay. I confided in you deeply for a long time and knew that I could trust you completely.

Your positivity helped me get through my lowest points, and it inspired everyone who was fortunate enough to cross paths with you.

I specifically remember the time I dragged you behind a shed at UNLV (2016) worried I was never going to get a hit again (the things we worry about, right?).

You let me cry in your arms, told me everything was going to be okay, and that sophomore slumps are a thing 😉 We continued to chat as you let me cry into your arms and although I don’t remember what else you said that night, I will always remember how you made me feel.

You comforted me, you gave me love and you gave me the reassurance I needed.

That’s just one time, along many others, I think back on to remember the type of person Geri Ann Glasco was and will always live on to be in my soul.

You were the epitome of what it means to be a great teammate and wonderful human being. You were a light and made everyone around you better.

That’s just who you were, G.

I love you and I wish I could tell you that just one more time. My forever teammate, friend, and angel.

Our memories will live on forever.

-J

For more on Geri Ann Glasco’s accomplished life on and off the field and to make a donation in her memory to the Natasha Watley Foundation-Glasco Family Fund–which is used to “aid and assist young female coaches entering into the softball community”– click HERE.

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Breaking News: NFCA Announces Geri Ann Glasco Memorial Scholarship For Young Female Softball Coaches

Originally published February 26, 2019 on Extra Inning Softball

The National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) has announced the addition of the Geri Ann Glasco Memorial Scholarship in partnership with the Natasha Watley Foundation (NWF) and the Glasco Family.

The scholarship is dedicated in the memory of Geri Ann Glasco, an aspiring coach and elite former student-athlete.

Glasco, a 24-year old University of Louisiana volunteer assistant softball coach, was tragically killed in a multi-vehicle accident on January 24, 2019. The scholarship has been created to honor her memory and encourage and inspire young softball coaches and their pursuit of education.

The scholarship will be awarded to one female assistant coach in the first five years of her career at the collegiate level.

Each year the scholarship will cover costs associated with attendance to the NFCA National Convention in December. The memorial scholarship includes registration fees, travel, and rooming costs related to the trip.

NFCA member coaches who are interested in applying or nominating a fellow coach may access the scholarship in their NFCA Coach’s Box. The application deadline will close on Sept. 1 of each year.

Glasco, a four-time NFCA All-Region honoree who played at Georgia in 2013-14 and Oregon in 2015-16, had a passion for the game of softball and a love for the softball community. She was just weeks away from beginning her coaching career alongside her father, Louisiana head coach Gerry Glasco, in the dugout this season.

“The NFCA is honored to partner with the Natasha Watley Foundation to create the Geri Ann Glasco Memorial Scholarship,” said NFCA Executive Director Carol Bruggeman.

“The NFCA Convention will open many doors to the scholarship recipient as attending the Convention is a top-notch educational experience and quite frankly, can be life-changing. The recipient will learn from the best speakers/clinicians in the nation as well as many high-level professionals in our mentoring/networking sessions. The NFCA will honor Geri Ann’s legacy for many years to come.”

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For information on the Natasha Watley Foundation-Glasco Family Fund and to make a donation, please visit https://natashawatleyfoundation.org/.

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Pfeiffer’s Sherrill inaugural recipient of Geri Ann Glasco Memorial Scholarship

Originally published October 25, 2019 on NFCA.org

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The NFCA is pleased to announce that Pfeiffer University assistant coach Vada Blue Sherrill is the inaugural recipient of the Association’s Geri Ann Glasco Memorial Scholarship, which was created in partnership with the Natasha Watley Foundation (NWF) and the Glasco family.

Each year, the scholarship is awarded to one female assistant coach in the first five years of her career at the collegiate level. The scholarship covers costs associated with attendance to the NFCA National Convention in December, including registration fees, travel, and rooming costs. It is dedicated to remembering the aspiring coach and elite former student-athlete, who lost her life in a multi-vehicle accident on Jan. 24 in Lafayette, La.

“I’m incredibly thankful for the honor,” Sherrill said. “I’m so stoked about it. I never personally knew Geri Ann, but just know her impact. It’s not just softball.”

The star shortstop was a two-time NFCA All-American and a finalist this past season for the Schutt Sports/NFCA Division III National Player of the Year award. She completed her Falcon career as the school leader in every major offensive category and became the only person in NCAA history, regardless of division, to reach 200 hits (251), runs scored (255), RBI (200), and stolen bases (201).

Sherrill was initially planning to become a teacher, but coaching combines teaching with her other love: softball.

“I graduated in May, and the (assistant) job was open and I didn’t want to step away from (softball) just yet. I love the sport,” she explained. “The program is something I take pride in. I wanted to invest in the players.”

The scholarship also allows her to attend this year’s Convention on Dec. 4-7 in Atlantic City, N.J., with her dad, Monte, a longtime high school and college coach, and her coach throughout her playing career.

“Vada is very deserving of the scholarship,” Monte Sherrill said. “She has been a coach on the field for her entire career, but is moving to the real coaching ranks, and I am trying to get her off to productive start.”

“I have been unable to attend the Convention for the last several years, due to my Pfeiffer budget. The only way Vada would be able to go to the Convention is with this scholarship. She will be a superstar coach in a few years and I want her to see how the NFCA works.”

Even though they have vastly different levels of coaching experience — her dad has more than 800 wins, and she is just getting started — Vada sees both of them benefiting from this opportunity.

“Dad has been my only softball guru, so it’s definitely a great opportunity to branch out and hear (other perspectives),” she said. “I got giddy just looking at the schedule. As a new coach, I’m going to be a sponge.”

“I love the diversity of it. There’s something for everyone. It’s good for him, too. You want to get one percent better every day. I want to be better every day as a coach. I want to be as good as I can be for the players and for myself.”

Sherrill said it has been a dream of theirs to coach together someday.

“We had always talked and fantasized about that,” she said. “Me and dad, we’ve been doing this together for so long. Softball, it’s kind of our niche. It’s a good opportunity and I’m grateful I get to share it with him.”

ABOUT GERI ANN GLASCO

The four-time NFCA All-Region honoree played at Georgia in 2013-14 and Oregon in 2015-16, had a passion for the game of softball and a love for the softball community. She was just weeks away from joining her father and Louisiana head coach, Gerry Glasco, in the Ragin’ Cajuns’ dugout as a volunteer assistant coach.

ABOUT THE NATASHA WATLEY FOUNDATION

The Natasha Watley Foundation (NWF) was founded by two-time Olympic medalist Natasha Watley to create opportunities for girls in under-served communities to learn and play the game of softball. NWF uses the medium of sport to inspire young women to reach their full potential while fostering character development and awareness of social issues that affect women.