FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT Birgitta Gray O: (406) 896-5917 E: birgitta.gray@msubillings.edu
September 17, 2015 Mitchell named MSUB interim softball assistant coach MSUB Softball on Facebook MSUB Softball on Twitter MSUB Softball Stack on ISSUU 2015-16 MSUB Softball Roster 2015-16 MSUB Softball Schedule
After serving on the staff at MSUB, local standout Katie Mitchell has been named interim assistant softball coach for the Yellowjacket softball program for the 2015-16 season. BILLINGS, Mont. – Newly appointed interim MSUB head softball coach for the Yellowjacket softball program Bekah Gasner has made two additions to the 2015-16 coaching staff. Katie Mitchell, a graduate of Colorado Mesa University (formerly Mesa State) and a Billings West High School standout has been named interim assistant coach. “Katie is going to be a great addition to our coaching staff this year,” Gasner said. “She is a strong, defensive-minded coach who will be working primarily with the infielders and hitters. Katie has a passion for MSUB athletics and our softball program, as well as a true sense of Division II athletics.”
Mitchell, a Billings West High School product was a member of the girl’s basketball program that won three state championships under head coach Kevin Woodin who is currently at the helm of the women’s program at MSUB. She played four years of volleyball under head coach Beth Tocci as a Golden Bear, and was a part of one state championship squad. After playing four years of softball as a shortstop and second baseman during her high school campaign, Mitchell joined the CMU Mavericks where she played shortstop from 2006-2010. At Colorado Mesa, Mitchell was a member of the 2008-09 team that finished 16th in the country, competing at the NCAA Division II super regional tournament. She was also the starting shortstop that made a return trip to the NCAA tournament in 2009-10. In the classroom, Mitchell earned accolades as a 2-time academic allconference honoree. After earning a degree in exercise science and graduating with honors, Mitchell continued on to the coaching realm, being named the assistant coach at Colorado Northwest Community College in Rangely, Colo., in 2011.
Katie Mitchell is joining the MSUB staff as the interim assistant softball coach.
At CNCC she was responsible for practice planning and game preparation with a focus on defense, including infield and outfield fundamentals. During her time with the Spartans, she helped develop and administer a conditioning and weights program. She was also responsible for scouting and game preparation on opponents, including pitching and hitting approaches. Mitchell brings with her to the position at MSUB an immense knowledge of the game of softball and familiarity with the Yellowjacket program. For the past three years, she has been a member of the MSU Billings athletics department serving as a statistician, including being a part of the staff that travels to the MSUB-hosted Desert Stinger tournament located in Las Vegas, Nev. The move to the coaching staff will broaden Mitchell’s involvement in the department while utilizing her player and coaching abilities. "I am looking forward to joining the Yellowjacket softball program,” Mitchell said on becoming a member of the MSUB coaching staff. “We have an excellent group of returners who know how to win, and a strong group of newcomers who are eager to contribute. Coach Gasner and I are expecting to build on the success from last year, and will work to take this team to the next level." “I believe that her positive experience as a student-athlete at Colorado Mesa will be an essential attribute to this team,” Gasner continued. “Not only is she dedicated to helping these young athletes excel on the field, she is dedicated to helping them achieve their goals in the classroom and in the community.”
Joining Gasner and Mitchell in the softball office is graduate assistant Maddison Timoteo – a 2015 graduate in communications from Drexel University located in Philadelphia, Pa. Timoteo was a catcher for the Dragons from 2010-14. Originally from Jupiter, Fla., Timoteo graduated from Jupiter High School where she was a four-year athlete on both the softball and swimming teams. She was a 3-time all-conference selection and a 2-time regional pick in softball as well as a 2-time all-region honoree in swimming. At Dexel, Timoteo was a second team all-conference selection in 2012. Off the field, she was named a Scholar Athlete in both 2012 and 2014. At MSUB, Timoteo will play an extensive role in working with the three new catchers on the team, making sure they comfortable behind the plate and ready to take command of the defense. “We are excited for the opportunity to bring on a new graduate assistant this year,” Gasner said. “Maddison is joining us from Drexel University and will be working primarily with our catchers and assisting with the pitching staff. Having three coaches on staff will be beneficial as we move forward into the 2016 season.” Maddison Timoteo will serve as the graduate assistant for the Yellowjacket softball program.
The MSU Billings softball program opens its 2015-16 season with their annual Fall Ball Tournament Sept. 26-27 at Avitus Group Stadium. This year the Yellowjackets are welcoming Minot State, the University of Great Falls, and Dawson Community College to their field for a 2-day, seven game tournament starting with a match-up between MSUB and Minot State on Saturday, Sept. 26 at 11:00 a.m.
2015-16 MSU Billings softball coach staff (L-R) AC Katie Mitchell, GA Maddison Timoteo, and HC Bekah Gasner.
--@MSUBSports | #JacketNation--