Courtesy of UC Davis Athletics
DAVIS, Calif. – Brittany Gaston, a former member of Tennessee and Boise State softball’s staff, is UC Davis’ new assistant coach as announced on Monday by head coach Erin Thorpe.
In addition to her recruiting, fundraising and alumni outreach, Gaston will work primarily with the team’s outfielders and hitters.
Gaston brings four years of Division I playing experience, another three as a member of two D-I programs and has instructed many players from across the country throughout the last 11 years.
“I am very eager to become a part of the UC Davis community and softball staff. I want to thank Coach Thorpe and the athletic administration for giving me the opportunity to grow within the coaching profession, and help the Aggies achieve academic and athletic success,” said Gaston.
“We are extremely excited to have Coach Gaston on staff,” Thorpe said. “She will add so much to our program and will bring a strong fundamental knowledge of the game. Having worked with her before will bring an important level of continuity to the coaching staff.”
While at Boise State, Gaston’s guidance helped three players earn All-Mountain West Conference honors and another three receive the Mountain West Scholar-Athlete Award.
The Broncos also collected their fourth NFCA All-Pacific Region nod in the six-year history of the program.
Last season, Boise State finished with 30 wins – 14 were earned against conference opponents – and fell one game short of joining UNLV, Fresno State and San Diego State in a four-way tie for first place.
Besides organizing all special events involving her team, Gaston coordinated and promoted all of the Broncos’ camps and skills clinics.
Before the start of the 2013 season, she handled all of her team’s travel arrangements; once competition started, she oversaw the filming of all games and assisted Thorpe with video breakdown and analysis.
Gaston’s inaugural softball coaching opportunity took place at Tennessee when she was selected as the team’s graduate assistant. From 2010-12, she worked with outfielders, provided support as the Lady Vols’ video coordinator and handled various administrative, practice and travel duties.
During Gaston’s tenure, Tennessee captured its second SEC Tournament title (2011) and advanced to the 2012 Women’s College World Series.
Between her stints at Tennessee and Boise State, Gaston coached softball and served as a special education teacher at West Ashley High School – located in Charleston, South Carolina. In her spare time, Gaston assisted the St. Andrews Parks and Recreation Department as its athletics coordinator.
As has been the case since high school, she also participated in the department’s youth softball camp and instructed players of all talent levels.
A four-year starter at second base or outfield, Gaston’s accomplishments helped her earn numerous spots within Appalachian State’s records book once she graduated. Ranked No. 2 all-time with 182 hits and No. 3 with a .283 batting average, Gaston was the fifth Mountaineer ever to collect conference recognition on multiple occasions when she was named to the All-Southern Conference team in 2007 and 2008.
Hailing from Alpharetta, Georgia, Gaston was a four-year member of Appalachian State’s dean’s and chancellor’s list before graduating in 2009 with a bachelor’s degree in physical education. Three years later, she earned a master’s degree in sport management from the University of Tennessee.
