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History: First Women’s Softball Coach Named at CIU
The first women’s softball coach in the history of Columbia International University has a decade of
NCAA coaching and playing experience.
Coach Sara Allen comes to CIU from Montana State University Billings (NCAA II) where she served as
assistant softball coach. She has also served as an assistant softball coach at Weber State University
(NCAA I) in Ogden, Utah and the University of North Carolina at Pembroke (NCAA II).
Allen played collegiate softball at the University of San Diego where she was a three time all-PCSC
(Pacific Coast Softball Conference) honoree and a three time University of San Diego offensive
player of the year with a career batting average of .302. During her senior season, Allen racked up
two awards: the 2006 PCSC Scholar Athlete of the Year and a 2006 ESPN CoSIDA (College Sports
Information Directors of America) Academic All-American.
CIU Athletics Director James Whitaker says Allen has the ability to connect and challenge young
women entering a new program.
“Sara brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in
softball and she has an extreme passion for coaching,”
Whitaker said.
With the first season of CIU Rams women’s softball
scheduled for the 2018-2019 academic year, one of
Allen’s first priorities is recruiting.
“More than anything I’m excited for the young ladies
who will be CIU’s first softball team,” Allen said. “I’m
also excited to start all the traditions and develop the
culture that will characterize Rams softball. Softball is
growing like crazy around the country, so I am really
looking forward to leading CIU into competition on the
ball field.”
Junior Varsity Men’s Basketball Added
Junior varsity men’s basketball makes its debut at CIU this semester. Men’s Basketball
Assistant Coach Danny Reese leads the team. Reese has been an assistant coach with the
Rams for the past three seasons.
Head Coach Marshall Tague says the JV squad is made up of “committed student athletes
who desire to be a part of something special” and he is recruiting more athletes for the
future.
“If you are looking for a chance to develop and an opportunity to grow, the JV team might
be a perfect fit for you,” Tague said.
Junior varsity men’s basketball
coach, Danny Reese
Construction of the softball field is underway.
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CIU Today
Fall 2017
CIU NEWS