UNCW Selects Norton As Softball Coach
WILMINGTON, North Carolina
- Kristy Norton, who helped turn James Madison into one of the top
softball programs in the Colonial Athletic Association, has been named
head coach of the UNCW softball program.
Norton becomes just
the fourth coach in the 28-year history of fast-pitch softball at UNCW.
She replaces Kelly Van Houten, who was relieved of her duties in May.
"We're delighted to
welcome Kristy to the Seahawk family," said UNCW Director of Athletics
Jimmy Bass. "She was an outstanding player during her collegiate career
and that strong pedigree has carried over into coaching. Kristy is one
of the bright young coaches in the college game. We're looking forward
to seeing the program make significant progress under her tenure."
Norton joins the
Seahawks after spending seven seasons with the Dukes and carrying the
Harrisonburg, Va., school to its first CAA tournament crown and NCAA
Tournament berth in 2009.
Under Norton's
instruction, JMU featured the best offensive season in the program's
history in 2007, setting single-season marks for batting average (.311),
slugging percentage (.472), runs scored (278), home runs (42), and RBI
(264). The Dukes were ranked nationally in batting average (14th),
slugging percentage, (24th) and runs scored (36th) en route to a
school-record 37 victories that season.
Norton has had 24
players receive a total of 42 All-CAA and CAA All-Rookie Team accolades
during her time with the program, while two players, Ashley Burnham and
Jenn Chavez, earned CAA Player-of-the-Year honors under her tutelage.
Chavez was the first Duke to earn the award in 2007 and Burnham was the
league's first two-time recipient (2010 & 2012).
Norton began her
collegiate coaching career at her alma mater, serving two seasons as an
assistant coach at UNC Greensboro (2003-04). Norton worked with the
team's outfielders and hitters, developed the team's strength and
conditioning program and coordinated travel arrangements. She also
served as head coach of the Carolina Wildcats, an 18-under travel
softball team, from 1999-2002
Norton enjoyed an
outstanding collegiate playing career for the Spartans, earning
All-Southern Conference and honorable mention All-South accolades during
her four-year career (1999-2002). A durable second baseman that set
team records for games started (252) and at-bats (785), Norton was also
proficient at the plate, ending her career second on UNCG's career list
for hits (222), doubles (41) and fifth in runs batted in (106).
A native of
Fayetteville, N.C., Norton earned her Bachelor's Degree in Exercise and
Sport Science with a minor in coaching from UNCG in 2002. She completed
her Master's in Recreation and Sports Management in 2005.