BATON ROUGE – Head coach Beth Torina and the LSU softball program announced the addition of Sandra Simmons as the volunteer assistant coach Monday afternoon.
“We are so excited to bring Sandra back home to Baton Rouge,” said Torina. “Her passion, work ethic and knowledge will surely make her an extremely successful coach. It is great to add someone to our staff who is familiar with our system and understands the mission and values we want to uphold within our program. We cannot wait for her to get started this fall helping our program compete at the highest level.”
Simmons played for the Tigers, under the direction of Torina, from 2013-16. She started all but one game of her career. In her senior season, she earned five accolades, including NFCA Third-Team All-South Region, SEC All-Tournament Team, NCAA All-Baton Rouge Regional Team, LSWA All-Louisiana First Team and was a member of the SEC Community Service Team.
The Fountain Valley, California native hit .325 in her career with 37 doubles, 10 triples and 17 home runs. She was named the MVP of the Baton Rouge Super Regional in 2015 after registering an .800 batting average in two games, leading the team with six RBIs with an 1.800 slugging percentage and a .714 on-base percentage. That year, she helped send LSU to the WCWS by going 3-for-3 in game two against Arizona with a career-high five RBI and three runs scored.
Following graduation, Simmons was a graduate assistant for the University of Kentucky softball program, serving as the team’s Director of Operations. She was involved in helping with all aspects of the program of day-to-day planning in addition to other needs with the coaching staff.
“To have the opportunity to come home to my alma mater and begin my coaching career is such a rewarding and exciting moment,” said Simmons. “This university and staff taught me what it meant to play for the three letters we wear across our chest day in and day out. I now have the privilege to share this with our current team and future athletes.
“I am honored and extremely thankful for the coaching staff in providing me this opportunity. I am ready to hit the ground running to prepare for our 2019 season. Geaux Tigers!”
For all of the latest news and information on Tiger softball, visit www.lsusports.net/softball. Fans can also follow the program on its social media outlets at www.Facebook.com/lsusoftball along with @lsusoftball and @BethTorina on Twitter and @lsusoftball on Instagram.