Beuerle Joins Coaching Staff

WINCHESTER, Va. - Shenandoah University Head Softball Coach Marlena Kotynski announced Tuesday that she has completed her coaching staff with the addition of Catherine Beuerle as an assistant coach.

Beuerle's addition gives Kotynski an all-time high four assistants. Brittney Neer returns for her sixth year on Kotynski's staff while Ray Penwell and Ron Huling are both back for the third straight season.

Beuerle completed her playing career this past spring as the all-time leader in games played and started, doubles, highest fielding percentage and putouts as well as second all-time in hits, runs scored, RBI and walks.

She joins Kotynski's staff for the 2010 season as she completes her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree requirements.

"I am very happy that Cat is going to be able to join us," Kotynski said. "She was a great player for us and a coach on the field. I am sure that she will train our catchers to be with the same work ethic she showed as a player."

A two-time ESPN The Magazine first team Academic All-America, Beuerle entered the Doctor of PT program at SU after just two years of undergraduate work. She is now in her third and final year of the program and is on track to receive her Doctorate degree in August 2010.

She earned All-USA South honors in the final three seasons in a Hornets uniform, was an All-Regional pick in 2008 and became the first SU student-athlete to earn ESPN first team Academic All-America honors two times in a career with her selection in 2008 and 2009.

Additionally, Beuerle was selected for an NCAA Post-Graduate Scholarship and as the 2009 Don Scalf Award winner by the USA South. This final award is the highest honor that the league awards to its student-athletes and Beuerle is just the second SU student-athlete to be so honored.

Shenandoah is in the midst of its fall non-traditional season right now and opens the 2010 season on February 27 with a home doubleheader against Lynchburg.