COLLEGE PARK, Md – Maryland softball coach Courtney Scott Deifel announced the addition of Yolanda McRae and Tommy Santiago as assistant coaches Monday.

“I am thrilled to welcome Tommy and Yolanda to the Maryland softball program,” Scott Deifel said. “They both bring a wealth of knowledge and experience in all aspects of the game.  They are tireless recruiters and have an energy and passion for the game that is contagious.  They are excellent teachers that will not only teach our student-athletes to be better softball players, but better people as well.  I think they will have an immediate impact on our program as we move into the Big Ten.”

McRae returns to Maryland after serving as a volunteer assistant coach at Georgia. Before her stop in Athens, McRae was an assistant coach at Virginia for two seasons. The Dublin, Ga., native was previously in College Park as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator under Laura Watten. The Terrapins advanced to the NCAA Tournament in both of McRae's two seasons in 2010 and 2011.

Prior to her time at Maryland, McRae was an assistant for three seasons at Georgia Tech, helping the Yellow Jackets win the ACC regular season and tournament titles in 2009, as well as a NCAA regional championship crown. As a player, McRae spent three years at Georgia State before transferring to Georgia and helping the Bulldogs capture their first SEC title.

“I'd like to thank Coach Scott Diefel for the opportunity,” McRae said. “I couldn't be more excited about returning to Maryland. Coach Scott Diefel operates with such class and integrity and I'm incredibly thankful to be joining her in this new adventure. She is an incredible role model for these young women. I am honored be a mouthpiece for her vision as well as vision of the University of Maryland and its athletic department. You couldn't ask for a better opportunity.”

Santiago comes to College Park after serving as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at St. John's since 2011. A four-year stint as an assistant coach at Florida State proceeded his time in New York. The Seminoles racked up 158 wins during Santiago's time at the school, making four trips to the NCAA Tournament and winning the 2011 ACC Tournament title.

Santiago graduated from Campbellsville University in 2003 and earned all-conference honors as a member of the baseball team.

“I am very excited for this opportunity to work with Coach Scott Diefel,” Santiago said. “She is a well-respected coach and I can't wait to see what the future holds for this program. I am happy to have become a part of the Maryland family and can't wait to get started in the Big Ten.

The Terps begin their 2014 fall schedule with a Sept 20 double-header at George Washington. Maryland will face off with the Colonials at 11 a.m. before taking on Shepherd College at 3:30 p.m.