A college softball coach with a winning record was brought south from Alabama State to Florida International University.
The Panthers announced the hiring of “proven winner” Chris Steiner-Wilcoxson, 43, on Aug. 6. She replaces Heather Gelbard, FIU softball’s interim coach.
In her 13-year career, Steiner-Wilcoxson has compiled a 436-328-2 record, and won two Southwestern Athletic Conference titles, FIU said.
"I am so excited and honored to be a part of the FIU softball program and the FIU family," Steiner-Wilcoxson said in a press release.
She thanked President Mark B. Rosenberg, Executive Director of Sports and Entertainment Pete Garcia and Senior Associate Athletic Director Julie Berg for the opportunity.
Steiner-Wilcoxson’s athletes have been honored as SWAC Tournament MVPs, as well as Pitcher of the Year, Newcomer of the Year and Freshman of the Year. She has also coached over 85 all-academic selections and 21 all-conference honorees, said Pete Garcia, FIU’s executive director of sports and entertainment.
"We feel that she will be able to take our softball program to the next level,” Garcia said.
Steiner-Wilcoxson spent the past five seasons as head coach of the Alabama State softball program; last year the Lady Hornets captured their second SWAC championship.
But she’s in Miami now.
"I can't wait to help these young ladies be great student-athletes and great representatives of this wonderful university,”Steiner-Wilcoxson said.
Steiner-Wilcoxson was a three-sport athlete while growing up, and earned 12 varsity letters in softball, volleyball and basketball at Robertsdale High in Robertsdale, Ala.
The school inducted her into its Hall of Fame in 2006.