Courtesy: Binghamton Athletic Communications
VESTAL, N.Y. -- Binghamton University has selected Michelle Burrell as its new head softball coach, the school announced Tuesday. Burrell replaces Ali Brian, who resigned after serving three years.
Burrell arrives in Binghamton after a successful stint with the University of Rochester. Burrell posted a four-year record of 117-50 (.701) and guided the Yellowjackets to three consecutive NCAA appearances (2007, 2008, 2009).
"We're very pleased to have Michelle join our staff," Director of Athletics Joel Thirer said. "Michelle brings an excellent level of experience from her days at the University of Maryland as both a player and as a coach. We had an excellent pool of qualified candidates, but Michelle stood out from the rest of the field. We are all pleased to have her lead our softball program."
"I'd like to thank Joel Thirer and the other members of his staff for allowing me this opportunity," Burrell said. "This is an exciting time to become involved with Binghamton University and the athletic department. I'm looking forward to leading the program to new heights and competing for championships."
A native of nearby Owego, New York, Burrell has guided Rochester to three consecutive Liberty League titles. The Yellowjackets also increased their win total for three consecutive years, breaking the school record for wins each season.
In 2009, Rochester earned the number two seed at the NCAA Northeast Regional before finishing the season with a program best 33-12 record while earning 11 all-conference selections, including player, pitcher and rookie of the year honors.
She was a four-year starting outfielder for the University of Maryland softball program and graduated with a B.S. Kinesiology in 2001. She earned first team All-ACC honors and was named to the conference's all-tournament team as a senior. In 2002, Burrell was selected a member of the 50th All-Anniversary ACC Softball team.
Her first coaching gig came at her alma mater, serving as a top assistant and recruiting coordinator from 2002-05.