UNIVERSITY OF TOLEDO

Rockets pick Butler to lead softball team

7/11/2014

Kristen Butler has been hired as the new head coach of the University of Toledo softball program, UT vice president and Athletic Director Mike O’Brien announced on Thursday.

“We are pleased to announce the hiring of Kristen Butler as the new head softball coach at the University of Toledo,” O’Brien said. “Kristen has an impressive background, both as a coach and player, and is an excellent candidate to lead the program. We look forward to seeing the softball team thrive on the field and in the classroom under her leadership.”

Butler comes to Toledo after spending the past two seasons as an assistant coach at Charleston Southern, focusing primarily on pitching and catching duties. She joined the CSU coaching staff in September, 2012, after previously coaching at Mississippi Valley State and the University of Florida.

■ Former University of Toledo women’s basketball star Naama Shafir will headline a UT fund-raiser billed as a “Night with Naama” next Monday at Temple Shomer Emunim in Sylvania.

Proceeds from her appearance will benefit UT’s planned women’s basketball trip to Europe in the summer of 2015.

Tickets for the event, which begins with a dinner at 6 p.m., are $50, with reduced prices for members of the UT women’s fan club, former Rocket players, and children 12 and under.

One of the most accomplished players, and perhaps the most popular, in UT history, Shafir is now playing professionally in her native Israel.

For further information or to reserve tickets, contact Lauren Flaum at 419-530-2363 or by e-mail at Lauren.flaum2@utoledo.edu.