Thursday, September 18, 2008

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (Sept. 18, 2008) - Head ETSU softball coach Andrea Mangrum announced the hiring of a new assistant coach on Thursday. Mangrum brought in former University of Louisville standout, Sarah Totten, to primarily coach the hitters and infielders in 2008-09.

Totten, a four-year letterwinner for the Cardinals, helped direct Louisville to four consecutive NCAA Regional appearances during her career. The 2008 Co-Captain posted an outstanding senior season, where she garnered Second Team All-BIG EAST honors. The Cardinals first baseman fits Mangrum's small-ball philosophy, as Totten led the BIG EAST in sacrifice bunts (16) and posted a perfect fielding percentage, which also led the league. Totten started in all 54 games in 2008, and hit a career-high .314 (50-159) with 26 RBIs and 31 runs scored. The Louisville, Ky. native also received CoSIDA/ESPN All-District IV honors and was a six-time member of the Athletic Directors honor roll.

"Coach Totten is much like coach Beus, she comes from a program with great softball tradition," said Mangrum. "Sarah comes from a winning program and brings that drive, desire, and passion to ETSU."

This summer Totten spent time coaching the 18-under Louisville Lady Sluggers. During her stint with the Lady Sluggers, Totten assisted with weekly practices and conditioning drills. Totten also helped out at Louisville softball clinics, where she trained and supervised campers and also designed game plans for each camp.

Since arriving in Johnson City, Totten has already adjusted nicely to the team, and her strengths will not only help the players but the coaches as well.

"The players have responded in an amazing way since she arrived," said Mangrum. "One of Sarah's strong points is defense, so it is a great mix for our staff to have strengths in all aspects of the game. Sarah brings a positive presence to the field, but demands excellence from our players and that is what I appreciate the most."

The ETSU softball team has begun fall practice and is gearing up for its second annual Fall Tournament. The Blue/Gold Tournament will be played on Saturday, Sept. 27 at Metro-Kiwanis Park.

For more information on Lady Buccaneer softball, visit www.ETSUBucs.com.