Belmont Abbey Head Softball Coach Ellie Hanover has announced that Brittany Stephens, Kevin Gordon and former Crusader Erin Evans will join the Abbey as assistant coaches for the 2011 season.
"I feel truly blessed to have such incredibly talented individuals join our staff this year,” Hanover said. “These are not only knowledgeable coaches but quality people who I am confident will represent our program in a professional and loyal manner. I believe our staff will be dynamic and passionate. The players will benefit greatly from this staff.
"With the retirement of Jim Daley, Brittany Stephens will handle all the pitching responsibilities. She played at the collegiate level and that experience is so valuable to our young pitchers. Brittany is very passionate about the game and is so excited to be a part of this."
"Kevin will work primarily with the infield and catchers. He played men's fast pitch at a highly competitive level and knows the game. His knowledge base and skill will help our defense right away. He has worked with a lot of kids in this area and comes highly recommended. He is a great guy on and off the field and I'm so happy we have him joining us this year".
"Erin's responsibilities will include working with the outfield and overseeing the weightlifting and conditioning. Erin is that kid who when you work with her as a player, you just know that she will make a great coach. I couldn't be more happy that I get to work with her in a different capacity this year. We've known each other for about 4 years now and it's funny how things turn out. She is a natural outfielder so her expertise will help our players out greatly."
Stephens played for Conference Carolinas member Queens University from 2007-2010, where she was a pitcher/utility player. A Charlotte native from Hickory Baptist High School, Stephens started 51 games in 2009 and recorded four doubles, one triple, and one home run for a total of 10 RBI. She earned Conference Carolinas softball pitcher of the week honors. Stephens has experience with the All-Stat City Company of Harrisburg, North Carolina, where she taught 9-18 year olds on the fundamentals of pitching and hitting mechanics.
Gordon joins the Abbey with a valuable wealth of coaching experience at the high school and age group levels. He most recently served as head coach at Forestview High School in 2010, and was the pitching coach there for six years prior to earning the promotion to head coach. Gordon has also served as head coach for Grier Middle School, Southwest Middle School as well as the Carolina gold 12 and 14 under teams. He has over 10-plus years of experience as a pitching coach and has trained over 30 players, including two NCAA Division I pitchers.
"I'm very honored to be joining Coach Ellie Hanover's staff at Belmont Abbey,” Gordon said. “I am excited at the prospect of working with such a young and talented team."
Evans, who played for the Abbey in 2010 after playing at Lenoir-Rhyne her first three years, will be on staff as she completes her degree requirements. In her only season in an Abbey uniform, Evans hit .316 with five doubles, one triple and six RBI in 26 games before sustaining a season-ending leg injury.
“I have only been able to see the game of softball from a players point of view and Coach Hanover has given me the opportunity to see the other side of the game,” Evans said. “I am excited to take the best of what I have learned through my 14 years of playing the game and pass it on to the players. We have an amazing group of girls for this season and I am blessed to have this opportunity to be apart of it. Coach Hanover is an amazing coach and has taught me a great deal about the game and the passion you need to play. She has also been a great example of the passion you need to be a coach and I am honored to work with her this season.”