Four-time All-American will handle the Cowgirl pitchers
Kelsi Dunne was a volunteer assistant coach at Mississippi State last season.
Stillwater, Okla. -- Kelsi Dunne, a four-time first-team All-American at Alabama, has been named the pitching coach for Oklahoma State's softball team, it was announced today by head coach Rich Wieligman. Dunne replaces Clarisa Crowell, who was named the head softball coach at Miami (Ohio) last month.
"Losing Clarisa, we have some big shoes to fill, but we're bringing in someone who has a lot of experience as a player," Wieligman said. "Kelsi was a four-time All-American and went to the Women's College World Series three times, so she knows what it takes to be successful. She brings a lot to the table with her experience, and can help our pitchers grow and reach their full potential."
Dunne spent the 2012 season as a volunteer assistant coach at Mississippi State under head coach Vann Stuedeman. As the volunteer assistant, Dunne worked primarily with the pitchers in developing their workouts, overseeing all of their practice sessions, developing the pitching game plans, and implementing those game plans with pitch calling during the games.
"Kelsi was instrumental last season lowering our ERA by two runs a game from the previous season, and she will be sorely missed," said Stuedeman. "She is like a daughter to me and I couldn't be more proud of her and excited to see the success she is going to have at Oklahoma State."
A four-time NFCA All-American at Alabama, Dunne led the Crimson Tide to three Women's College World Series appearances in 2008, '09 and 2011. She was a two-time SEC Pitcher of the Year and a four-time first-team All-SEC pitcher. Dunne was a four-time Easton first-team All-American, and was a USA Softball top-10 finalist for national Player of the Year. She was the No. 1 overall selection in the 2011 National Pro Fastpitch League by the NPF Diamonds.
"First of all, I want to thank Rich for giving me this opportunity to join his staff," Dunne said. "I can't wait to get started with the staff and all these fine young women. The history and tradition at Oklahoma State is definitely a reflection of the former players and coaches who have been through this program, and I'm humbled to become part of a program with such a great tradition."
"I feel like I will bring a lot of energy to the team and will be able to relate to the girls," said Dunne. "With my experience of playing in the Women's College World Series, I can show them how to be successful and achieve their goals."
