Barts named assistant coach

MURFREESBORO, Tenn.- Middle Tennessee softball coach Sue Nevar has announced the hiring of Krista Barts as assistant coach. Barts spent last season as a graduate assistant with the Blue Raiders.

"I'm very excited about this upcoming season. We have a complete roster full of talented players who will be able to show what Middle Tennessee Softball is made of," said Barts. "It is going to be a great year with the team competing against some high-caliber opponents and we will display our desire to win."

Barts came to Middle Tennessee in the fall of 2007 after a successful career in which she lettered four years at Auburn University. The Tigers made three NCAA regional trips during her career, and the Alpharetta, Ga., native earned the team's Academic Athlete Award. Barts also received her bachelor's degree in Sociology and minor in Sport Coaching.

"Krista is familiar with a big-time athletic environment and understands and accepts the expectations of a top tier program," said Blue Raider Head Coach Sue Nevar. "Commitment, self-motivation, a passion for the game and absolute success are all words that she lives by and expects."

While serving as a graduate assistant with Middle Tennessee during the 2008 season, Barts was assigned to coach the outfield and hitting. She also handled travel details and recruiting visits for the Blue Raiders.

"There really is no transition in my mind from last season to the present. Krista stepped into this position last year as far as her duties and responsibilities were concerned," Nevar said. "I knew then that I had a real gem in the program and she is exactly the type of coach we need to elevate us into an elite team."

"She has the skills and strategy needed for this position, as well as the love of the game that goes along with it. She is completely dedicated to Middle Tennessee, her core values and her student athletes."

Notebook

Hitting/Pitching Camp Dates: Head Coach Sue Nevar has announced the dates for the 2008 Fall Softball Pitching/Hitting Camps. The camps will be held on Sept. 20 at Blue Raider Field and and Oct. 19 at Blue Raider Field. For more information please contact Coach Nevar at Nevar@mtsu.edu

Newcomers: Middle Tennessee has signed an exciting group of talented players in preparation for the 2009 season led by Kirsten Patterson out of Anthem, Ariz. The Boulder Creek HS product captained her high school squad during both the 2006 and 2007 seasons and was named to the Northwest Arizona All-Conference Team in 2006.

"We are looking for Kirsten to have an impact in both the infield and outfield. She will provide a big punch offensively during the upcoming season," said Head Coach Sue Nevar. "She has had great experience playing with elite teams at the high school level and we look forward to seeing her achieve great things as a Blue Raider."

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