June 27, 2008

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. - The Marshall Thundering Herd softball team hired former pitching ace Randi Nielson to the 2008 coaching staff, head coach Shonda Stanton recently announced.

"Randi has been one of the most successful pitchers to come through our program," Stanton said. "She was a tireless worker on the mound and will bring that same experience as a coach."

Nielson, the sister of the Marshall's current shortstop Kelly Nielson, will take over the pitching duties for the Herd in the upcoming season. She played professional softball in Holland during 2006 for the Centrals. While playing professionally, Nielson also coached the Central's second team.

Since 2001, Nielson has volunteered her time by assisting and coaching the Arizona Impulse, an 18-U ASA travel team located in the Tucson, Ariz.

"Randi has a tremendous amount of pride in Herd Softball and Marshall University as well as a great understanding of our system," Stanton said.

Nielson, a 2005 Marshall graduate, played four seasons with the Herd and finished her career as arguably the most prolific pitcher in school history. During the 2003 season, Nielson guided Marshall to its best finish with a 41-17 record and a Mid-American Conference championship. Nielson ended her sophomore campaign with 23 wins, a school record, and an ERA of 1.32 to garner the MAC Pitcher of the Year Award.

"I enjoyed coaching Randi and now look forward to working side by side with her as we get Herd Softball to the next level," Stanton said.