This past Monday, Chandelle Schulte was introduced to the media as the new Wisconsin softball coach. Schulte began the press conference by explaining her excitement to start the new season, which begins in February.
\Hopefully we'll provide some excitement for you guys on the diamond this year,"" Schulte said. ""I can promise you one thing won't happen. We will not block a touchdown in the last few minutes of play and come out with a victory. I do know that won't happen or we've got the wrong ball in our hands.""
Schulte is only the second coach in UW softball history. She coached the College of Charleston softball program for the past four years. During that span, Schulte led the Cougars to two regular-season Southern Conference championships, one conference tournament championship and an NCAA regional appearance. Her overall record while in Charleston was 163-82.
Prior to the College of Charleston, Schulte was a Big South Coach of the Year while turning around the program at Charleston Southern University (1999-2001). She also helped lead Florida State to two ACC championships and an NCAA regional appearance during her tenure as an assistant coach (1996-'99).
Schulte, who has roots in Michigan, was intrigued and excited at the chance to coach the Badgers.
""I believe that Coach Alvarez ... said Wisconsin was the sleeping giant of the Big Ten,"" Schulte said. ""I believe that's true in softball as well.
The Badgers will return to the diamond this spring after a 31-24 (11-9 Big Ten) record last season. Sophomore Katie Hnatyk is one of the top returning hitters, leading all UW rookies last year with a .313 batting average, nine home runs and a slugging percentage of .531. Junior outfielder Samantha Polito is the only returning Badger who started all 55 games last year.
Junior pitchers Eden Brock and Megan Smith will head back to the mound in 2006. Brock won 10 straight decisions last year on her way to becoming UW's second ever 20-game winner. Smith, in her first ever start, pitched a nine-inning complete game.
