CORPUS CHRISTI – Keith Stein will join the Texas A&M – Corpus Christi softball staff as an assistant coach, Head Coach Stephanie Hughes announced today.
Stein, a native of San Antonio, Texas, comes to the Island University after spending the past year as a volunteer assistant coach for UTSA. Prior to that, he served as a volunteer softball coach for Texas A&M University and Southland foe Sam Houston State.
“I’m extremely excited at the opportunity to be a part of this program under Coach Hughes,” Stein said. “When I had the chance to visit Texas A&M – Corpus Christi I was very impressed with the people and the university. They share my vision of what can be and will be Islanders Softball.”
Stein, a former professional baseball player for the Detroit Tigers, was a two-year member of the Bearkats baseball program. Prior to that, he played two seasons for the Aggies. While at Sam Houston State, he earned first team all-conference honors in 2008 and second team all-conference accolades in 2007. Stein set Southland Conference records for most hits in a season in 2007 and led the Bearkats’ career batting average leader. During his time in Huntsville, Stein was named to the all-conference tournament team each of his years.
Stein’s success as a collegiate player, led him to being drafted in the 29th round of the 2008 MLB draft by the Tigers. He was the first player in the draft class to be promoted to higher league level and was one of 40 players in the Tigers organization to be invited to play in fall Instructions. Stein retired in 2009 after a career-ending injury during spring training.
“I am excited to announce the addition of Keith Stein to our coaching staff,” Hughes said. “As both a collegiate and professional baseball player he brings a wealth of knowledge to our program. His energy is contagious and I know that will spill over to our athletes. He will work primarily with the outfielders and assist with recruiting, camps and day-to-day operations of our program.”
At UTSA, Stein worked primarily with the outfielders and helped establish a habitual mental toughness to help keep a positive attitude throughout the season. While at Texas A&M, Stein shadowed head coach Jo Evans, and gained a better understanding of softball tendencies and the differences between the two sports. Stein also spent his time at Sam Houston State, working with the outfielders and worked closely with head coach Bob Brock.
The Islanders will open the 2014 schedule at the two-day CenturyLink Classic in San Marcos, Texas. The squad will face Southland foe Stephen F. Austin in the season opener on Friday, Feb. 7 at 7 p.m.
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