RICHARDSON, TX (12.19.11) - UT Dallas softball coach
Brad Posner has announced that former Drake University pitching standout Jenna DeLong has been named the program's assistant coach. In addition, DeLong will serve as UTD's head women's cross country coach, beginning her duties January 1.
DeLong, a native of Dalton Gardens, Idaho, was a four-year starter in the circle for Drake and left the Bulldogs as the program's all-time strikeout leader. A three-time first team All-Missouri Valley Conference selection, DeLong was named the MVC's Pitcher of the Year as a senior after going 21-8 with a 1.89 earned run average and 228 strikeouts. She also led the Bulldogs with 10 home runs as a senior and was named second team all-region by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA). DeLong finished her career with 64 victories, ranking second on Drake's all-time list.
“We are pleased and excited to welcome Jenna DeLong to the UTD softball program,” said Posner, who will also start his first season with the Comets this spring. “Having excelled in the classroom at Drake University, Jenna understands the challenges and demands placed on our current student-athletes. We are delighted that she has chosen to become a part of UT Dallas athletic family.”
"I am so thrilled to now be a part of the UT Dallas athletics department and to become a Comet,” said DeLong. “I am anxious to work side-by-side with Coach Posner and the other coaches. I expect great things out of both the softball and cross country programs, and I am ecstatic to know I will be a part of it. This school seems like the perfect fit for me and I cannot wait to start this journey."
DeLong was also a three-time MVC Scholar-Athlete first team selection during her career with the Bulldogs, graduating with a 3.68 grade point average with a bachelor's degree in English and journalism. DeLong was a two-time NFCA All-American Academic Award honoree.
“Jenna DeLong brings a wealth of experience to our softball program as an outstanding pitcher at Drake University,” said UTD Director of Athletics Chris Gage. “She also possesses the energy, enthusiasm, integrity and skills to be an asset to our coaching staff. UT Dallas is very proud and privileged to have Jenna join our athletics department.”
Upon graduation from Drake in May 2011, DeLong spent last summer playing professionally in The Netherlands. She helped guide the Tex Town Tigers to the European Cup Championship and was named her team's Most Valuable Player. She also served as the franchise's head coach and pitching coach of its second team, ages 15-23. In addition, she was the pitching coach of TTT's national championship junior team, ages 13-15.
“Jenna understands the academic tradition of UT Dallas and is committed to that mission,” continued Gage. “She has been associated with very successful high school, club and university softball programs that will be advantageous in helping to strengthen our softball and women's cross country programs. It is rewarding to have someone with the talents of Jenna DeLong join the UT Dallas family and we look forward to the immediate impact she will make on our programs.”
As a prep at Coeur d'Alene High School in Idaho, DeLong helped guide her team to back-to-back State 5A Championships and was named Inland Empire League MVP and Team MVP her sophomore, junior and senior seasons. As a senior, she was named the Idaho Spokesman-Review Female Athlete of the Year.
“Jenna recently finished up an outstanding playing career and has mentored numerous young athletes as well,” said Posner. “Her addition to our staff will enhance our ability to provide our student-athletes with the best possible experience.”
