Angela Corliss: A Legacy in the Circle and Beyond

Angela Corliss' (Slaugh) career was one of awe, first as a dominant force in the pitcher's circle and later as a dedicated coach. Her journey is one of natural talent and relentless dedication, making her one of the most outstanding figures in the history of Western New Mexico University's athletics.

During her years with the Lady Mustangs, Corliss delivered performances that redefined consistency and dominance. During her sophomore year, she posted an incredible 23-5 record with a 0.95 ERA and 264 strikeouts in 209 innings pitched, which earned her her first PacWest Pitcher of the Year.

In her junior year, she struck out 318 batters in 226 innings while lowering her ERA to 0.84. This extraordinary performance led her to her second consecutive PacWest Pitcher of the Year honor.

During her senior year, she delivered a 0.50 ERA across 302.1 innings pitched, holding opponents to a .142 batting average. Her dominance on the field led her to earn her third consecutive PacWest Pitcher of the Year honor and the Most Valuable Player of the West Regional Tournament in Arcadia, California.
Throughout her career, she was considered one of the most reliable pitchers in program history and ranked among the best with minimal ERAs season after season.
• 0.58 ERA in 2004 (302.1 IP)
• 0.84 ERA in 2003 (226 IP)
• 0.85 ERA in 2001 (172 IP)
• 0.94 ERA in 2002 (209.1 IP)

Corliss' passion for the sport carried on beyond her playing days. She coached for two seasons as an assistant coach at California State University–Monterey Bay before returning to her alma mater in 2007 to join the WNMU coaching staff.

By 2012, she had taken the reins as head coach for the Mustangs Softball Program. Her sixth season, in 2017, was on the cusp of her 100th career win, guiding players with the same drive and determination she once displayed as a student-athlete.

Corliss has had a lasting impact on WNMU athletics, which did not go unnoticed. In 2015, she was inducted into the WNMU Hall of Fame—a fitting honor for a player of her caliber who left a deep and powerful mark on the program and set the standard for excellence in Mustang Softball.

After graduating from WNMU, Angela moved to the Czech Republic, where she played eight months of softball before moving back to the States and relocating to Nebraska to play semi-pro softball. After her tenure in Nebraska, she moved to Monterey, California, where she took on a coaching role.

She is currently living in Capitan, NM, where she lives with her husband and 8-year-old son. She works as a Business Support Specialist at Capitan Municipal Schools, assisting with HR and accounting, while also doing bus routes for the school. Before starting her time as a Business Specialist, she was Capitan Municipal Schools' softball coach for two years. In her free time, both she and her husband participate in youth sports.

Angela Corliss is more than just a record-breaking pitcher; she is a leader, mentor, and role model who exemplifies what it means to give back to the game. From her incredible strikeout numbers to her transition into a respected coaching role, her career has inspired countless athletes to pursue greatness on and off the field.

Corliss continues to be a symbol of talent, perseverance, and Mustang pride—a player who didn't just play the game but elevated it.