- Women's Sports
Softball
Blue Knights to Host Defensive Clinic
URBANA, Ohio (July 26, 2010) - The Urbana University softball team is hosting a Defensive Clinic for softball players in grades 3-12. The clinic will take place in UU's Warren G. Grimes Center on November 6th, 2010. Instruction will be given in the areas of infield, outfield and catching for both beginners and advanced players. The cost and times are located below. To download a brochure with a Registration Form, CLICK HERE. If you have any further questions, please contact Head Coach Danielle Lowe at (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or (937) 484-1325.
Early Afternoon Session: 9th - 12th Grade, 1:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Late Afternoon Session: 3rd - 8th Grade, 5:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
*Registration begins 30 minutes prior to each session in the Grimes Center Gym
Cost:
$30 per player
$35 for walk-ups
Ridgewood Ace Haley Kolmerten Signs
by Brandon Hannahs, Staff Writer, Coshocton Tribune
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ohio (June 27, 2010) - First team All-Ohio pitcher Haley Kolmerten (Ridgewood HS) signed her letter of intent to become a Blue Knight next season. Click here to read all about Haley's signing in the Coshocton Tribune.
Madison Plains' Heather Martin Signs with UU
URBANA, Ohio (June 23, 2010) - New Urbana University Head Softball Coach Danielle Lowe announced the signing of her first recruit this week. Madison Plains High School product Heather Martin signed her letter of intent to play softball for the Blue Knights next spring.
The 5'9" first baseman and catcher just finished a stellar prep career, leading Madison Plains to 3 SCOL championships in her 4 seasons. Martin batted .479 with 4 home runs and 31 RBIs this past season, earning 1st Team All-Madison County and 2nd Team All-SCOL. She also earned academic scholar athlete honors for maintaining a GPA above 3.5.
"Heather has the potential to be a big part of our program over the next few years," according to Coach Lowe. "With a little hard work in the fall, Heather's explosive bat could be a huge addition to our lineup next spring."
Heather is the daughter of Jeff and Becky Martin of Mount Sterling, Ohio. She plans to major in Athletic Training at Urbana University. Pictured below, Heather signs her letter of intent along with her parents and high school coach Kevin Stockham (left).
Lowe Named Softball Successor
URBANA, Ohio (May 12, 2010) - After a February announcement that Urbana University Head Softball Coach Nicole Pluger would step down from her post to accept a promotion to Associate Athletic Director, the search began for Pluger's successor. Today, that search ended with Athletic Director Doug Young's announcement that Danielle Lowe has been named the newest Head Coach of the Blue Knight softball program.
"Although we will miss Coach Pluger on the softball field, we are excited about the new direction we are headed," explained Young. "Danielle comes from a program with a proud tradition of excellence, and we look forward to the positive attributes she will bring to our program and the University."
Lowe comes to Urbana from the University of Findlay where she spent four seasons as an assistant coach following three seasons as the Oilers' starting second baseman. She served as team captain as a senior while capturing all-academic accolades from the GLIAC conference. During her time at Findlay, Lowe earned both a bachelor's and a master's degree.
Lowe also played a year of varsity softball at Division I Eastern Michigan University, and she's served as a head coach of the Wizards, a summer league softball organization in Toledo. Her new position at Urbana is her first collegiate head coaching gig.
"I am very excited to get out on my own," said Lowe. "This is a great opportunity to get my coaching philosophies in play at a new Division II University."
The 2010-11 school year will be Urbana University's first as a full-fledged NCAA Division II member. Having spent the past seven years at a Division II institution, Lowe believes her experiences at that level give her an advantage as a first-year head coach.
"I feel like I'm a step ahead already because I've played and coached at the D-II level," explains Lowe. "I just can't wait to get started."
The transition from Pluger to Lowe is already underway. The new head coach has the added benefit of meeting with and learning about the program from her successful predecessor. Pluger, who won a school-record 106 games over her 6 seasons, will officially hand the coaching reigns over to Lowe on June 1st.
"I want to thank Nikki and Doug for this wonderful opportunity," added Lowe. "They have been very helpful throughout the entire process."
The future of the Urbana University softball program looks quite promising. The young Blue Knight squad won 15 games this spring and returns all but two graduating seniors next season.