Aug. 23, 2011

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COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Maryland softball head coach Laura Watten welcomed Olympian and professional player Kelly Kretschman to the program Tuesday, as the team's volunteer assistant coach. Now in her seventh season as a power hitter in the National Pro Fastpitch league, Kretschman will work with the Terrapins on their offense.

"I am very excited to have Kelly joining our staff," Watten said. "Being a former U.S. Olympian, Women's College World Series participant and Professional Fast Pitch standout, she has proven to be one of the best hitters and fielders in fast pitch softball. She's played the game at the highest level and will bring so much to our team, both mentally and physically."

Kretschman is currently in her third season with the USSSA Pride, alongside new Terrapin pitching coach Charlotte Morgan. In 2010, she helped lead the Pride to a national championship as she led the team with 25 RBI's and six home runs.

She entered the league in 2005, when she played for the Akron Racers and helped that team win a championship as well. From there, she played for the Connecticut Brakettes in 2006, the Washington Glory in 2007, again winning the championship title for that season, and most recently with the USSSA Pride in 2009.

"I am very excited to become a part of and work with the Maryland softball program. I hope to use my experience, enthusiasm and passion for the game to help these student-athletes take their game to a whole new level. I appreciate this opportunity and look forward to a great season," Kretschman said.

She won a gold medal in the 2004 Olympics in Athens and a silver medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. She served as an alternate for the 2000 Olympics in Sydney.

Kretschman was a four-time NFCA All-American at Alabama from 1998-2001. As a freshman, she led the NCAA in home runs (25) and slugging percentage. She was named First Team All-SEC three times (1999, 2000, 2001). Kretschman helped lead the Tide to the 2000 Women's College World Series and was named to the All-WCWS Team.

The Terrapins went 40-19 overall in 2010 and finished third in the ACC. They hosted NCAA Regionals for the second straight year.