Aug. 10, 2010
The George Mason Athletics Department announced the hiring of Jennifer Steele as the new assistant coach for softball. Steele, a former all-American softball player at Longwood University, comes to the Patriots from Randolph College where she served as head coach of the WildCats program.
"As we continue to build the Mason Softball family it important to replace quality with quality," Head Coach Joe Verbanic said. "In the hiring of Coach Steele we have done just that. We are talking about a young woman who brings a high level of ability to coach and teach and will be a great mentor to our student athletes. I am very pleased and excited to welcome Coach Steele to the Mason Family."
"I am excited to join George Mason University and its athletics department," Jen Steele said. "Mason offers so many things--great facilities, fantastic academic resources, and a supportive local community. This institution has everything a student-athlete needs to be competitive on the field and successful in the classroom. All of these factors make me excited to be a George Mason Patriot."
During her three seasons at Randolph College, the WildCats made two consecutive trips to the ODAC Tournament, including the programs first ever appearance in 2008. The team improved every season, and in 2010 broke the previous season's win mark with 21 victories.
Led by 2009 ODAC Coach of the Year, the WildCats broke several individual school records and earned individual post-season awards this past season. Lindsay Cross '10 (2009 ODAC Player of the Year) broke the school's career hits, doubles, and RBI records. Nikki Smith '10 finished as the school's all-time leader in home runs (21). Brittany Willingham '13 broke the school's single season marks in hits, doubles, and runs scored in just her first season of play at Randolph.
A Virginia native, Steele spent two years (2005-2007) as the assistant softball coach at Smith College in Massachusetts. She graduated from Smith with a master's degree in exercise and sports studies.
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.
