DOBBS FERRY, NY - The Mercy College Department of Athletics has announced the appointment of Jennifer Hastings as head softball coach. She steps into the position after serving one year as an assistant coach with the Mavericks.

"We are extremely excited with the hire of Jen Hastings. She brings with her invaluable experience as an accomplished Division I athlete and as an instructor and amateur coach," said Mercy College Interim Co-Director of Athletics Ashlee Kelly. "She has competed successfully at the highest of levels and I believe she will bring drive and determination to Mercy's softball program."

Hastings, who was named assistant coach of the softball team in the fall of 2007, will be one of the youngest head coaches in the country at 22. Nonetheless, she has significant experience in both coaching and competing.

"It is a tremendous honor to be named head coach of the Mercy softball program," Hastings said. "I went from graduating college, to an assistant here at Mercy, to head coach and I appreciate the faith that the administration has in me to build this program."

As an assistant coach at Mercy she worked closely with the hitters and defense, while coaching in the third base box during games. She was an integral part of Mercy's softball program in 2007, which marked a nine-win improvement.

Hastings has coached at numerous camps, including the last four years at Towson University, her alma mater. She is also currently an instructor at Frozen Ropes in White Plains. Hastings continues to play competitive softball with the New Jersey Elite 23-U team, helping her squad to an ASA New Jersey State Championship in 2007.

During her playing days at Towson she compiled 127 hits, including 32 doubles and 11 home runs, while driving in 65 runs, and collecting 24 stolen bases. She was also solid behind the plate and in the outfield, making only 12 errors in over 600 chances.

Hastings will be taking over a program that is on the rise. The Mavericks will be returning six letter winners from last season. Mercy finished the season with a 9-30 record and with great optimism for the future.

"We have a good group of girls coming back and a lot of last season's freshmen returning with a year of experience under their belts," Hastings said.

The Blue & White will look to continue improvement under Hastings and charge their way up the East Coast Conference (ECC) ladder.