KUTZTOWN, Pa. – Coach's corner is a weekly segment where fans get acquainted with Kutztown University head coaches. Our next coach in the spotlight is KU softball coach Judy Lawes.
 
Lawes enters her 34th season as head softball coach at Kutztown University in 2021. She has had a winning record in 31 of her 33 seasons at KU and holds an overall record of 992-564-2 (.637), sixth among active Division II coaches in victories and 31st in winning percentage. All-time, Lawes ranks 15th in victories and 52nd in winning percentage entering the 2021 season. Lawes is currently 1-of-8 active softball coaches in Division II to coach for 30 years. She is the only active and just the second 30-year coach in the PSAC.
 
Lawes came to KU in 1987 as head softball and women's tennis coach and assistant women's basketball coach. She held the basketball position until 1990 and the tennis position until 1991. A graduate of Shippensburg University, Lawes received her bachelor's degree in communications in 1984 and her master's degree in counseling/student personnel from Shippensburg in 1987. In October 2001, she was inducted into Shippensburg's Athletic Hall of Fame for her record-setting accomplishments as a softball and tennis player.
 
What makes Kutztown University the destination to be a coach? "Kutztown University provides an excellent, affordable education with a wide selection of academic programs. KU has a beautiful campus in a great location. It is easy to attract outstanding student-athletes. I have a high regard for the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education and the PSAC. The PSAC is one of the top DII athletic conference's in the country. Of course, the highlight of working at KU is the people. My colleagues are great and the students are awesome. I love my job!"
 
Favorite place on campus and/or in town? "North Campus Field and South Dining Hall."
 
Why did you get into coaching? "I loved competing in sports growing up and it was a big part of my life. I played softball and tennis in college. After completing a master's in college counseling and student personnel, I saw an ad in my local paper for the position of head softball/tennis and assistant basketball coach at KU. I applied and the rest is history."
 
Favorite memory as a coach and athlete? "As a coach winning the PSAC Championship in 2013 and the post-season run to the National Championship game."
 
What are any gameday rituals? "I like to get in a run prior to game time to reduce pregame jitters. It focuses my attention and calms me for the competition."
 
Favorite professional team and/or player? "Philadelphia Teams – Phillies and Eagles."
 
If you weren't coaching, what would you be doing? "I would probably be in sales."
 
Favorite thing(s) to do outside of coaching? "Spending time with family, staying active, and beach time."
 
Any sports heroes growing up? "Chris Everett, Derek Jeter, and Tiger Woods."
 
Favorite movie and tv show? "Remember the Titans, Les Misérables and the Sound of Music."
 
What advice would you give prospective collegiate student-athletes? "I would tell student-athletes to find a program whose culture matches your life-style, values and aspirations."
 
Any inspirational quotes you've heard that stays with you? "Winning solves a lot of problems."