MSU softball coach Vann Stuedemann has added another member to her coaching staff with the start of the season less than a month away. Former University of Alabama star picther Kelsi Dunne has joined the staff as a volunteer assistant, Stuedeman announced Wednesday.
Dunne was named All-American in each of her four seasons at Alabama, where she played under Stuedemann. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in sport mangement.
“Kelsi commands instant respect in the softball community and we’re ecstatic that she decided to be a Bulldog and help this team reach places we’ve never been before,” Stuedeman said in a statement released by MSU. “Her ability to thoroughly and effectively communicate her knowledge of the game to our players will prove to be an invaluable asset for our program going forward.”
As a player at Alabama, Dunne racked up numerous records for the Tide. She is the school’s all-time strikeout leader with 1,219 and has the school’s lowest opponent batting average with a .165 clip.
Dunne was selected with the top pick in the 2011 National Pro Fastpitch Draft by the NPF Diamonds.
“To work under Vann and help her current pitching staff is an opportunity that I’m extremely grateful for,” Dunne said in a satement. “I look forward to using my passion and knowledge of the game to maximize player development here in Starkville.”