The CT Softball Blog

NORWALK—It’s another new beginning for the Brien McMahon softball program.

Michael Lanuk, who spent the past three seasons as the coach at Joel Barlow in Redding, has been named the Senators new head coach, according to BMHS athletic director John Cross.

“One thing I really liked about Mike is that he has a strong reputation as a true developer of children, from the youth level all the way up to high school,” Cross said. “He’s definitely someone who wants to be around for the long term and he offers a fresh perspective on Brien McMahon softball.”

Lanuk replaces Cindy (Judge) Todd, who stepped down after last season. During the 2023 season, Todd led the Senators back to the state and FCIAC tournament before struggling to a 2-18 mark last season.

“I’m excited about this opportunity,” Lanuk said. “We’ve certainly got good numbers, about 29 who want to be a part of our program, so we hope to have a JV team again this year, as well.”

Lanuk grew up in Stamford and was always around the game of softball thanks to his sister, Alexis, a former All-FCIAC player for the Stamford High Black Knights.

His affection for the game led to him becoming an umpire before he got bit by the coaching bug.

Leaving Barlow was not an easy decision for Lanuk, who lives in Norwalk and whose job is based out of Wilton.

“I loved it at Barlow and I wasn’t looking to leave, but logistically it made sense,” Lanuk said of the switch closer to home. “It was really tough to leave because Barlow was amazing. It was just circumstantial. I’m just really excited about this new opportunity.”

Cross believes he found the right person to lead his program at the right time.

“He had some good recommendations from parents about how he is an outstanding developer of talent,” Cross said.

Barlow is proof of that.

The team that won seven games in his first two seasons (one by a forfeit) won a total six last season as the scores got closer, as well, in a tough SWC league.

Lanuk said while his long-term goals are to get the Senators to qualify for both the state and FCIAC tournament again, the short-term quest is to get his players more competitive.

“I’m not here just to go through the motions,” Lanuk said. “I’d like to set those reasonable goals going forward. Right out of the gate, making the state tournament should be a reasonable goal. Our big short-term goal right now is to be more competitive.”

And, of course, as the players get better and more competitive in games, having more fun will rise to the top.

“Within any school, I try to preach, listen, yes it’s a varsity sport and we’re out trying to win games, but it is a game,” Lanuk added. “We’re out there to have fun, to learn from each other, to learn from our wins and our losses, and I really just want these kids to have as much of a positive experience as I can.”

When he’s not coaching the Senators, Lanuk is still on the field somewhere.

He’s coaching with the Rhode Island Thunder-Lower Fairfield County 14Us, as well.

Bottom line, as far as Cross is concerned, is Lanuk was the right man for the job at McMahon.

“I’m very excited for the opportunity,” Lanuk said. “It seems like we have a nice group of kids, and I’m excited to get started.”

A new chapter of Brien McMahon softball is being written and it’s author is new head coach Mike Lanuk.

Love Stories Like This?

Get Connecticut’s best softball features, breaking news, recruiting updates and exclusive interviews delivered to your inbox every Friday morning. Subscribe to the CT Softball Blog Weekly.