FOREST, Va. --- The Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Christie Cornwell as the new supervisor of officials for softball.  Cornwell assumes the position immediately.  She replaces Carlton "Corkey" Oliver, who retired from the post following the completion of the 2015 spring season.

"We are pleased to welcome Christie Cornwell to the ODAC family," said ODAC Commissioner Brad Bankston.  "Christie officiated in the ODAC a number of years ago and we are excited she made the decision to venture down the path of assigning softball officials. Her extensive background and experience in the sport stood out – both on the field as an official and off the field evaluating and training new officials. Her passion for the game is contagious and I look forward to seeing our softball officiating continue to improve in the years to come."

Cornwell's experience as an official and trainer is extensive as she is the sole proprietor of Diamond Umpire Academy, which specializes in training and development of softball umpires thru clinics, private lessons, on-field instruction and film review.  She is currently certified not only as a NCAA official, but also under the Amateur Softball Association (ASA) and International Softball Federation (ISF) umbrellas.  She previously worked as a National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) umpire, as well as with the North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA).

Cornwell has officiated at all three levels of NCAA play, including five championship assignments -- 2006 and 2007 at the NCAA Division II Softball National Championship Series and 2011, 2012 and 2013 at the NCAA Division I Women's College World Series.  Locally, she previously called games with the ODAC and the USA South Athletic Conference.

"I would like to thank the ODAC Commissioner Brad Bankston and members of the search committee, Caroline Cubbage (Randolph College) and Doug Zipp (Shenandoah University), for their time and efforts during the hiring process," explained Cornwell.  "I would also like to thank all of the umpire coordinators I have had the opportunity to work with throughout my career.  Without them, today would not be possible.  I am extremely honored and excited to become part of the ODAC family!  I look forward to meeting the conference softball coaches and umpires as we embark on this new journey together."

Softball is one of eight sports directly assigned by the ODAC and its supervisors of officials.  Softball joins baseball, men's and women's basketball, field hockey, football, women's lacrosse, and volleyball.