COLLEGE STATION, Texas - Texas A&M softball head coach Jo Evans recently announced the addition of volunteer pitching coach Danielle Spaulding to the team's staff.
Spaulding, a recent graduate from North Carolina, was most-recently a student assistant for the Tar Heels. The Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., native helped UNC to an appearance in the ACC Championship game and a 28-17 overall record last season.
"I am excited to welcome Dani Spaulding to our staff," Evans said. "She comes highly recommended by Donna Papa, head coach at UNC. Dani had a tremendous career at North Carolina and knows how to win. She will oversee our pitching staff and also assist with our hitters. Dani brings a wealth of knowledge about pitching, and the game of softball in general. She will be a great fit in our program."
Spaulding became the Tar Heels' first three-time NFCA All-American when she took honors for the final time as a senior in 2010. The ace was also named the ACC Pitcher of the Year as a senior after throwing six no-hitters in 2010. In 2008 and 2009, Spaulding was tabbed the ACC Player of the Year. She is only the third softball player in conference history to earn three individual awards.
The hurler finished a four-letter career with top-five spots in the UNC record books for career ERA, opponent batting average, strikeouts and wins. In four seasons, Spaulding accumulated a 64-16 record in the circle and posted a 1.39 ERA.
As a junior in 2009 Spaulding led the Austrian Sharx to their first ever European Cup Championship. She was named the tournament MVP after leading all players in home runs (2) and ERA (0.23).
Spaulding will begin working with the Aggies immediately, preparing the team for its exhibition season to begin in September.
"I am so excited to be a part of the staff and such an amazing school," Spaulding said. "I chose Texas A&M not only because it is a great opportunity for me, but also because of the tradition that this school has. When I was going through the process of trying to find a coaching job and I told them I was interested in A&M they immediately mentioned the tradition.
"Being a part of that is something that means so much to me, and the fact that I can be included in that is an honor and is more exciting than I can explain. I am looking forward to bringing something different to the team. I am still learning as a coach, but I feel that I have what it takes to help the pitching and catching staff to get to the next level and lead this team to the Big 12 Championship and a national championship. I am more than ready to get started."
The Aggies kick off their fall season at home against Blinn College on Sept. 27 at 6 p.m. Admission to every exhibition game at the Aggie Softball Complex this fall is free. For more information on Texas A&M softball, log on to AggieAthletics.com.