Harms to take over softball coaching post
Dean Shuda, who lead the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point's fastpitch softball team to its first National Championship in 1998, is stepping down after six seasons as head coach.
Shuda will be replaced by his assistant Kelli Harms. Harms graduated from UW-SP in 1997 after a storied career with the Pointers, where she is ranked second all-time with 189 hits. She was a four-year starter in centerfield at UW-SP and is currently completing her Master's Degree in Psychology at the school.
"I'm very excited about this opportunity," Harms said. "Being a part of the program for so long, there couldn't be a better opportunity than this. I'm looking forward to the upcoming year and coaching this caliber of a team."
Shuda is stepping down to spend more time with his two children and on his family's successful funeral home business. During his six years at UW-SP, Shuda's team finished with a 192-83 record (.698 pct.). In his final season, the Pointers were 38-13 and recorded their third national tournament berth in four years.
"It's been a fun ride at the university and working with such a fine coaching staff," Shuda said. "It truly was a pleasure working with everyone involved."