Welcome to the AU Coaches Corner, a weekly feature giving you an inside look into the staff and administration of the Aurora University Athletic Department. This week we feature Mike McKenzie, Head Coach for the Spartan softball program.

Name: Mike McKenzie
Position: Head Softball Coach
Years of Service at AU: 18th year
Alma Mater (Year): Marian University (Indiana) '86
When did you first know that you wanted to become a coach/administrator? I had good mentors and coaches in high school, and that is when I decided on a coaching career
What coach/administrator has had the biggest impact on your life? My two college basketball coaches, Coach Grimes and Coach Henderson, because they gave me the opportunity to play college basketball and they also hired me for my first college coaching job! 
What do you consider to be your most memorable moment as a coach/administrator? Our two sweet 16 seasons (2005, 2010), and great runs in the NCAA tourney in 2013 and 2015!
What do you consider to be your most memorable moment as an athlete? My first 2 points in college basketball my freshman year because it led to a very rewarding and fun college career.
If you could have any coach, past or present, as an assistant on your staff for one game, who would it be and why? Former Baltimore Orioles manager, Earl Weaver in the 70's. I did not agree with all of his offensive philosophies, but he was a fierce competitor and winner! He felt that wins start with pitching and defense.
How would you describe your game day demeanor? I want to be focused and prepared on game day, but you have to keep the players loose in softball.
What advice would you give your athletes today if they want to become a coach/administrator someday? If you want to coach, then you should use all four years of your college playing career to be fully prepared.
Who is the most famous athlete you've ever met? Don't think I've ever met a famous athlete.
If you could coach/manage one professional team for one season, who would it be and why?Chicago Cubs
What are some of your hobbies away from coaching/athletics? Golf  (even though I am not very good at golf) and going to Cubs games
If there was a movie about your life and you could pick any actor to play you who would it be and why? Tom Hanks because he would understand my personality!
If you weren't coaching/in athletics, what profession would you like to be part of? Professional golfer
 
Sprint to the Finish - 
• Favorite food: Split Crab Legs and my Mom's homemade Swiss Steak 
• Favorite TV show or movie: Forrest Gump
• Favorite hobby: Golf
• Favorite sports team: Chicago Cubs
• Pet peeve: Slide into a base when you need to slide
• Person I most admire: I admire my Mom the most because she is 85 years old, and she has lost sight in one eye and she can barely see out of the other one! She maintains a great attitude and still tries to watch every Cubs game!
• Person I'd most like to meet:  Michael Jordan
• Rather ride or drive?  I would rather ride a train than drive or ride in a car!
• Salad or dessert: Antipasto or Greek Salad 
• Dream vacation spot: I love Marco Island and Hilton Head Island
• Early morning or late-night?  Early morning - unlike my younger years