| |
ANN ARBOR, Mich., October 27, 2008 – Marissa Young, a three-time All-American at the University of Michigan (’00, ’02, ’03), assumed the varsity softball head coach position at Concordia University Ann Arbor on October 13. As a pitcher for the Wolverines, she posted tremendous numbers, compiling 88 wins and Wolverine-record 927 strikeouts. Young led the Wolverines to two appearances in the College World Series in 2001 and 2002. She earned Big Ten Pitcher of the Year honors in 2002, and was named Big Ten Player of the Year in 2003.
Young had the opportunity to learn coaching from one of collegiate softball’s best, Carol Hutchins, who was inducted into the National Fastpitch Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2006. “Like Coach Hutchins, I believe in teaching the fundamentals,” Young said. “I want my players to look at the game from all aspects, not just from the view of their position. They must understand the game as a whole, and where their piece fits, rather than having tunnel vision. I want to expand their knowledge.” Young continued, “After leaving California to come to Michigan, [Hutchins] became a great mentor and friend to me.” Young said that she still talks to her former coach regularly and believes that relationship will help her build a strong program at Concordia.
“The focus right now is to begin searching for impact players for not only next fall, but this coming spring,” Young said. Coach Young would like to encourage individuals looking to join the program either in January or fall 2009, to contact her at youngm@cuaa.edu or by phone at (734) 995-7345.
Young is excited for the upcoming season and she is ready to get to work. “My top priority is to build stability in the program and provide a smooth transition to my style of coaching,” stated Young. It is a style that appears to be paying dividends already. Young stated that she is enjoying getting to know the team and is looking forward to building a stronger team focus. She went on to mention that the team has appreciated learning from a coach who can still play the game competitively.
A native of Santa Anna, California, Young graduated from Mater Dei High School before heading to Ann Arbor to be a member of Carol Hutchins’ squad at the University of Michigan. After graduating from UM, Young spent a season playing professional softball in Italy before returning to play for the Texas Thunder in the National Pro Fastpitch circuit. In 2003, Young began teaching private lessons as an instructor at the Michigan Sports Academy in Ypsilanti and became interested in coaching. When the head coach position opened at Concordia, the opportunity to start at the college level was too great to pass up. She brings a large amount of talent and discipline to her new coaching role, along with the strength of great connections.
Young believes her connections with former teammates will help establish the program in the area. “Many of my teammates now work with big-name companies, which should help out Concordia because we have a foot in the door with potential sponsors,” Young stated. “We are still looking for more sponsors for the softball team. I would gladly speak to any individual or business interested in donating to the team.”
Young believes that her role as a parent will equally aid her in her first career coaching stint, “As the mother of two girls, I realize how on a daily basis you affect the lives of young people. A good coach realizes that these are people, not just softball players.” Young resides in Ann Arbor with her daughters, Layla (age three) and Jolyna (age 18 months).
Concordia University Ann Arbor is a private, Christian liberal arts institution of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Concordia offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in an environment focused on the individual student. Concordia is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA) and by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). Concordia’s Family Life Program is approved by the National Council on Family Relations (NCFR). The athletics program has helped Concordia receive the recognition of a National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Champions of Character institution. Concordia is located at 4090 Geddes Road in Ann Arbor, MI. For more information, visit: www.cuaa.edu.
###
|
|
