By: Kelli Sheesley, Assistant AD/Creative Services – Temple University Athletic Communications
PHILADELPHIA (10/7/13) – Temple head softball coach Joe DiPietro has announced the addition of Chelsea Butler to the coaching staff for 2014. Butler replaces Chrissy Focht, who left to pursue other opportunities, as the Owls’ pitching coach.
Butler comes to TU after spending the last year at Utah State, working primarily with the USU pitchers. While with the Aggies, she was also responsible for scouting reports and served as the recruiting coordinator. Before Utah State, Butler was an assistant coach at her alma mater, Eastern Kentucky, during the 2012 season.
“I’m excited to have Chelsea join our staff and become an Owl,” said DiPietro. “With her knowledge and coaching experience, I believe each of our pitchers will grow and help us tremendously in the American Athletic Conference.”
Before her coaching days, Butler pitched two years (2008-09) for the Colonels, highlighted by a standout senior season in which she posted a 2.32 ERA. Prior to arriving at EKU, Butler played two seasons at Golden West Junior College. As a sophomore there, she posted a 21-13 record with a 1.35 ERA and 170 strikeouts in 231.2 innings of work. She earned first team all-conference recognition and was an all-tournament selection.
Butler earned a degree in sociology from Eastern Kentucky in 2009. Prior to her return to the Colonels as a coach, she served as an assistant coach with the USA Athletics 18 gold team in southern California. She has also been a private pitching instructor since 2009.
Temple finished the 2013 campaign at 32-26, setting a school record for wins in a season. The team earned a third-place finish at the A-10 Tournament, its final year in the league, which is the highest finish for the Owls since winning it in 2004. The squad returns all but five players from that team.
For more information on Temple softball, visit www.owlsports.com, www.facebook.com/Temple-University-Softball, and www.twitter.com/Temple_Softball.
