Amber Plaza, who was hired by MDC as an assistant coach in August of 2019, is a native of Virginia Beach, Virginia. Her duties include recruiting, coaching the catchers and improving the overall team defense.

Plaza attended Bishop Verot High School in Fort Myers, Florida. She played baseball initially and began her softball career in the seventh grade. During her four-year varsity career, she led Bishop Verot to a pair of berths in the state semifinals.

She then started her college softball career at MDC, where she was named the first-team All-Southern Conference catcher in both of her Sharks seasons.

After graduating from MDC in 2015, she earned a Bachelor’s degree from Florida Gulf Coast University, where she completed her career as a softball player (2016 and 2017 seasons).

At MDC, Plaza played for coach Gina De Aguero, and they teamed up to lead the Sharks to a pair of Southern Conference championships and a fifth-place showing at nationals in 2015.

Plaza also led Florida Gulf Coast to an Atlantic Sun Conference championship while graduating with Magna Cum Laude honors in Criminal Justice. She also made the President’s List and the Dean’s List.

Rahter than go to law school, however, Plaza followed her passion and became an MDC assistant coach.

“I just couldn’t let the game go,” Plaza said. “I have a lot to offer still, and I enjoy coaching where I started my college career as a player.

“Playing for coach De Aguero helped me grow as a student-athlete. Now being able to coach with her has helped me grow my knowledge, love and passion for the game.”