Vermont Names New Softball Head Coach

Vermont Names New Softball Head Coach

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Courtesy of Vermont Athletic Communications

BURLINGTON, Vt. - Tarrah Beyster, a four-time All-American at Oregon State University, has been named the head softball coach at the University of Vermont. UVM Associate Vice President and Athletic Director Dr. Robert Corran made the announcement today.

"It is a pleasure and privilege to welcome Tarrah to UVM and the state of Vermont," stated Corran. "She brings a superlative record as a student, student-athlete, and coach and I know she will have great success leading our softball program. Her values, vision, and commitment to excellence fit precisely within our department and we are tremendously excited to have her now part of our future."

Beyster comes to Vermont after three seasons as an assistant coach at Indiana University, where she worked with the Hoosiers' pitchers and catchers. In her first season at IU, Beyster helped the Hoosiers pitching staff set a new single-season record for strikeouts (447). Under her guidance, IU standout Mariangee Bogado eclipsed the single-game strikeout record twice in 2006, notching 23 K's against South Florida and 22 against Indiana State.

"I am very excited to be a part of the UVM family, and to embrace the rich history and tradition of the university, as well as the community," said Beyster "I am thankful for the opportunity to lead the softball program into a new energized era of excitement and success, both on and off the field."

Prior to her stint with the Hoosiers, Beyster spent two seasons as an assistant coach at Bradley University. She helped the Braves post the program's best record in a decade during the 2005 season.

Beyster, a native of San Diego, Calif., played her collegiate softball at Oregon State University. She put together a stellar career in Corvallis, Ore., earning NFCA/Louisville Slugger All-America honors all four years, a first in the OSU softball program. She was also a four-time All-Pac-10 Conference selection. Beyster hit .382 for her career and owned a 1.72 ERA with 694 strikeouts and 91 wins in the circle.

Beyster was named the NCAA Woman of the Year for the state of Oregon in 2000, and was a four-time recipient of the Oregon State Female Athlete of the Year honor. She led the Beavers to their first NCAA Regional Tournament appearances as a junior and senior. At one point in her career she held 24 school records and is one of only two female student-athletes in any sport to have her number retired at Oregon State.

She also put together an impressive career in the classroom. She was a two-time CoSIDA Academic All-American as a psychology major at OSU.

Following her collegiate career, Beyster continued to play in the National Pro Fastpitch League. She spent five seasons playing for the NPF All-Star Tour Team, Arizona Heat, Omaha Comets and most recently with the New England Riptide. She helped the Riptide win the 2006 National Championship as a designated hitter.

Beyster replaces Marcie Hickey who resigned in June after two seasons at Vermont to become the head softball coach at the University of North Florida.