Feb. 8, 2007

Laura Watten has a proven track record in meeting some big-time challenges. Like overcoming injuries during her college career at Texas-Arlington in the early `90s. Or, as head coach at tiny Bethune-Cookman College, guiding the unheralded Lady Cats to the NCAA Super Regionals in 2005. Even now while living in the heart of Washington Redskins country, given her die-hard allegiance to the Dallas Cowboys.

None of it should be surprising, though. Watten's way is the "can-do" way, and it's precisely the approach the second-year Terrapin mentor has taken in her quest to drive Maryland's softball program to national prominence. Hired just prior to the start of the 2005-06 academic year, Watten has worked extensively to elevate all aspects of the program - recruiting, scheduling, student-athlete development -- in an effort to put the Terps in a position to succeed on a national scale.

If Watten's past success and the results in her first year at Maryland are indicators, the Terps are well on their way to making their mark. Since assuming her post, it has been the team's attention to detail and focus on preparation that has stood out. But Watten, too, has significantly upgraded Maryland's non-conference schedule - highlighted by consecutive appearances in the Palm Springs Classic, the nation's premier in-season tournament - in addition to making Maryland softball front and center on the recruiting trail.

Considered one of the rising young coaches in the college game, Watten was fresh off leading Bethune-Cookman College of Daytona Beach, Fla., to the 2005 NCAA Division I Super Regionals when she was tapped to lead the Terps' program. In guiding the Wildcats to a 49-win season - including a regional title over host Florida, South Florida and Central Florida - Watten was named the 2005 National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) Southeast Region Coach of the Year. Her Cats ended the 2005 season with a final No. 18 ranking by the NFCA/USA Today.

During Watten's eight years as head coach at B-CC, the Wildcats made five NCAA Regional appearances and captured five conference titles. The four-time MEAC coach of the Year posted an eight-year mark of 322-207 and averaged more than 40 wins per season.

B-CC's signature campaign under Watten came in 2005, the 49-win effort highlighted by a title at the NCAA's Gainesville Regional, as well as victories over Florida (twice), Northwestern, Central Florida, South Florida, Virginia Tech, Florida Atlantic and UMass, all of which advanced to the 2005 NCAA Tournament. In total, the Wildcats were 21-17 vs. teams that finished in the top 100 of the NCAA's RPI (Rating Percentage Index) that year. Statistically in 2005, the Wildcats ranked fourth in the nation in stolen bases per game, 10th in batting average and team ERA, 12th in double plays turned and 25th in scoring.

Off the field, Watten's teams have posted a team GPA of 3.0 or better every single year and boast a 100 percent graduation rate. Watten's players have been cited as NFCA Academic All-Americans 27 times, and three of her Terps earned ACC All-Academic honors in 2006.

"Laura Watten is a proven winner who is committed to success on and off the field of play," said associate athletic director Dave Haglund when he announced Watten's hiring. "She impressed everyone with her passion, vision and `can-do' attitude. We're delighted to have her join the Terrapin family and assume the leadership reins of the Maryland softball program."

Watten is a 1992 graduate of the University of Texas-Arlington where she played catcher and first base and helped her team to a conference title in 1989 and top 25 rankings in two seasons. She was a three-time all-conference selection for the Mavericks and went on to an assistant coaching position at the school. She was named head coach at Bethune-Cookman prior to the 1998 season.

Watten is currently enrolled in graduate school at Texas Women's University, where she is working on a master's degree in kinesiology. A member of the National Fastpitch Coaches Association, Watten has served on the NCAA South Region ranking committee and the NFCA's Top 25 voting panel. She also has been an active member of the Diversity Committee within the NFCA.

A native of Dallas, Texas, Watten currently resides in Annapolis. Her parents, Nancy and Paul, are their daughter's biggest fans and are prominent fans at Terp games.