Softball Southern Conference

Poole Named Head Coach of Georgia Southern Softball

Poole Named Head Coach of Georgia Southern Softball
Eagles land former McNeese State assistant


06/08/01



STATESBORO, Ga. Georgia Southern University Athletics Director Sam Baker announced Wednesday the hiring of Natalie Poole as the new head coach of the Eagle softball program.

Poole's hiring at Georgia Southern ends a three-year stint as an assistant coach at McNeese State (La.) University, where she also starred for the Cowgirls softball team from 1994-97. She replaces Kelley Kirkland, whose contract was not renewed after the 2001 season.

"We are very excited to have Natalie join our staff," said Baker. "Throughout her career as a student-athlete and as a coach, she has played an integral role in McNeese State's program, and we look forward to the direction she is going to provide our softball program."

Poole, 25, joined the MSU softball staff as a graduate assistant in 1998 and moved into the assistant coach's role the very next year. Prior to her time at McNeese State, Poole assisted the 18-under Baton Rouge Bandits summer team from 1995-96. She then spent a year as the head coach for the 18-under Lake Charles Gamblers and, in 1998, assumed duties as assistant softball coach at Barbe (La.) High School.

In her playing days, Poole was the starting catcher for the Cowgirls all four years. She was a three-time All-Southland Conference member (1995-97), a two-time All-South Region honoree (1996-97) and earned to the All-Louisiana honors in 1996. As a freshman, she helped the Cowgirls to a Southland Conference title as well as the school's first-ever South Region appearance. In 1997 she recorded the team's highest batting average of .331 while registering five home runs and 10 doubles. Her successful senior campaign led to her naming as McNeese State's Most Valuable Player, and she closed out her career with a .298 batting average.

Just as accomplished in the classroom as she was on the field, Poole was a three-time District VI GTE CoSIDA Academic All-America selection (1995-97) and was a 1997 National Academic All-America choice. She was named a Southland Conference Scholar Athlete all four years at MSU, and in 1997 she was recognized as the Southland Conference's Scholar Athlete of the Year.

Poole earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from McNeese State in 1998, graduating with a 3.5 grade point average. In July of 2000, she earned her Masters of Education degree in Instructional Technology from MSU with a 4.0 GPA.

Poole takes over a Georgia Southern softball program that finished third in the Southern Conference this past season. The Eagles finished the year 25-33 overall and 12-8 in league play.