New softball coach ready to embrace energy building throughout QU athletic department

QUINCY — The shift that has taken place within the Quincy University athletic department in the past year so noticeable to those on the inside is becoming more and more noticeable to those on the outside.

Cathy Monroe sensed it during the interview process.

“I liked the energy I was feeling from the athletic department,” said Monroe, who was introduced Monday as the Hawks’ new softball coach. “I like that type of energy. I can’t say I’ll be able to match or overexceed what everyone is bringing, but I hope I’m at least adding to it.”

The energy permeates the entire campus.

“I was able to meet a few people on the academic side, and even though it’s a small campus, they are doing some really cool things to individually help each student get to where they want to go,” Monroe said. “I was really impressed by that.”

Monroe, who spent the past seven seasons as the head coach at Missouri S&T, replaces Carla Passini, who resigned in May to make the move into administration, where she is now the assistant athletic director and senior woman administrator.

The two have been around the Great Lakes Valley Conference long enough — Monroe played and served as an assistant coach at Truman State before going S&T and Passini played at QU before coaching there — to develop a friendship.

“I’m going to her wedding this weekend,” Monroe said.

Knowing Passini’s support exists in the administrative offices and how comfortable she became with Rabe’s vision in their short time getting acquainted, Monroe sees nothing but positive vibes moving forward.

“I feel like they’re doing some good things at QU, and there are a lot of projects in the works where they are adding to their programs and to their department,” Monroe said. “I think it’s just going to help all the programs compete at a higher level and do some things that will be really great there.”

She shares Rabe’s vision for the future.

“I feel like he’s going to do what he says,” Monroe said. “So that’s exciting.”

In seven seasons at Missouri S&T, Monroe went 114-200 overall and 58-110 in GLVC play. The Miners made a 17-game improvement in 2022, going 24-26 and staying in contention for a GLVC Tournament berth until the final day of the regular season.

Monroe accomplished that despite not having a paid assistant coach. Quincy does have a paid position for an assistant coach.

“That’s a big plus when you’re looking at things,” Monroe said.

Although it’s a move within the conference, Monroe believes it’s a step in the right direction.

“I just felt like it was time for a change and this presented itself,” Monroe said. “It worked out well, I hope for everyone’s advantage.”