By: Whitney Tarpy, Assistant Director-Athletic Communication/Media Relations – Western Kentucky University
BOWLING GREEN, Ky.— A three-time All-America selection at the University of Florida, Aja Paculba joins the Western Kentucky University softball coaching staff as an assistant coach for the 2013 season.
Paculba brings a wealth of experience after an impressive collegiate career with the Gators, as she played and started in all 271 games during her time in Gainesville. Paculba played on the biggest stage of college softball with four Women’s College World Series appearances, finishing runner-up twice. She led Florida to two Southeastern Conference regular-season and tournament championships.
The second baseman was the first freshman to earn All-America honors in school history and was a three-time selection to the NFCA and Easton All-America teams. Chosen to the All-SEC and NFCA All-Southeast Region team all four years, she was also named to the SEC All-Defensive Team three years. Paculba holds the career record as Florida’s all-time hits (279), at bats (821), runs scored (253) and walks (160) leader. She also ranks in the top 10 in 10 other career statistical categories.
Graduating from Florida in 2012 with a bachelor of science in family, youth and community sciences, Paculba continued playing softball in the National Pro Fastpitch organization, selected 17th overall by the Diamonds in the 2011 draft. The 2012 and 2013 seasons saw Paculba with the Akron Racers, as the shortstop totaled 40 hits, 19 runs, 24 RBI and six doubles over the two seasons.
As a coach, Paculba most recently worked as a volunteer assistant at FIU in 2012 where she worked with the Panthers’ outfielders. She helped FIU to a third-place finish in the Sun Belt Conference with a 28-27 overall record and 15-9 mark in league action and outfielder Ashley McClain to All-SBC First-Team honors.
Originally from Wildomar, Calif., Paculba graduated from Elsinore High School in 2007.
