Photo by Derick Levy.
By Loren Miller, USU Eastern Sports Information
Utah State University Eastern athletics recently announced the hiring of Shelby Shurtliff as its new head softball coach. The former USU Eastern infielder and assistant coach began her job duties and assignments on June 1.
“I am very excited for this big opportunity. I really enjoy the school the here. Its a great opportunity to be a part of a young program heading into its fourth year,” said Shurtliff. “I want to thank administration for giving me this opportunity. I would also like to thank the coaches that I have been coached by and helped me get to this point.”
Shurtliff spent the 2018-19 season as an assistant coach for the Eagles, helping the team finish their third season as a program with a 16-34 record. Before entering the coaching ranks, Shurtliff was an all-conference infielder for the Eagles in 2018. She spent her first season of college at Salt Lake Community College.
“We are excited to have young and energetic coach with the knowledge she has that come in and make impact right away,” said USU Eastern Interim Athletic Director Scott Madsen.
Shurtliff said she wants to help build the young program into a contender and help the players not only on the field but in life. “I want to help my players not only become better softball players but become better people off the field and in the community,” said Shurtliff.
USU Eastern Softball will go into their fourth season since it was relaunched in 2016-17 after a hiatus of 20+ years.
In 2019, the Eagles finished in fourth place in the Scenic West Athletic Conference with a 13-22 record. They will begin fall practices and scrimmages in September and will begin their 2020 season schedule in February.