Indiana University Athletics
Hoosier Softball Reports for Duty
8/29/2005 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Aug. 29, 2005
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - The Indiana softball team reported for the 2005-06 season today, while the campus welcomed back the student body for the first day of classes. The IU coaching staff brings in four freshmen to the squad and looks forward to a season that will feature second-year head coach Stacey Phillips at the reigns of the Hoosiers.
IU officially hits the diamond in its season opener at the University of Oklahoma Tournament on Feb.17-19, but has scheduled three preseason tournaments for the fall.
"There is definitely a new fire in the women's eyes this year," Phillips said. "It has been great to see the players returning with a look of certainty and overall focus toward the upcoming season."
While the program welcomes a talented freshman class in Julie DiNallo (East Kentwood, Mich.), Aubrey Hayes (Lake Worth, Fla.), Sarah Padove (Hammond, Ind.) and Stephanie Pellerito (Tustin, Calif.), it also debuts a new assistant coaching staff. Tarrah Beyster and Michelle Puls join the Hoosiers after both registering stellar collegiate careers followed by successful coaching resumes at Bradley and Maine, respectively.
"Tarrah and Michelle have been busy with the administrative side of things and have accomplished a lot in the office." Phillips said. "They are even more excited about getting on the field to start helping bring this program the same success they themselves were accustomed to as collegiate players."
The Hoosiers look to improve on last year's Big Ten performance of 2-18 in league play, and an overall record of 13-41. With a new mentality under the guidance of IU's coaching staff, Phillips is optimistic about her team's success in 2006.
"I am eager to get things under way with the team and institute the new era of IU Softball," Phiilips said.
