Replaces Three-Year Mentor Pearson

LYNCHBURG, Va. --- The WildCat Athletics Department announced the hiring of Jennifer Steele as the new Randolph College softball coach today.  Steele, a former all-American softball player at Longwood University, will take over the Randolph College (founded as Randolph-Macon Woman's College in 1891) softball program beginning on July 1.

Steele will replace current Head Coach Chrissy Pearson.  Pearson guided the WildCats for the past three seasons and will remain at the College as the sports information director.

A Virginia native, Steele has spent the past two years as the assistant softball coach at Smith College in Massachusetts. She will graduate from Smith with a master's degree in exercise and sports studies in May.

As the assistant coach at Smith, Steele served as the head pitching coach, with additional responsibilities in recruiting, practice planning, fundraising, budgeting, and game-day coaching. Steele's coaching experience also includes working as an assistant coach for the Fire & Ice 18 and under club team in Sterling, Virginia, as well as working as a clinician at numerous camps and clinics throughout Virginia and Massachusetts.

Steele was a four-year starter for the Longwood University Lancers. A stand-out as a pitcher, designated hitter, and third baseman, Steele was named the Carolinas-Virginia Conference (CVAC) Freshman of the Year as well as a two-time first-team All-CVAC honoree. Steele's accolades also include NCAA Division I All-American and All-Academic recognition. Steele graduated from Longwood in 2005 with a degree in communication studies.

Randolph College is the perfect fit for Steele and her coaching and teaching philosophies. "I am excited about joining an institution in which students can experience a first-class education as well as be challenged on the playing fields," says Steele.

Steele is looking forward to returning to her home state. "Virginia is slowly becoming a hotbed for softball and I am excited to return to the area to work with these athletes," she says. "I will initially target local in-state talent that will help our young and growing Randolph College softball program."

WildCat Athletics Director Valerie Cushman is thrilled to have Steele join the Randolph College staff. "Jennifer was exactly the type of person we were looking for to fill this position," says Cushman.  "She is an outstanding teacher and coach with significant softball playing and coaching experience and strong ties to the Virginia softball community."

In addition to her coaching responsibilities, Steele will also teach classes in the College's Physical Education Department.

This release is courtesy of the Randolph-Macon Woman's sports information department.