Sept. 24, 2007
EVANSTON, Ill. -- Former Northwestern standout pitcher Courtnay Foster has joined the Wildcats as a volunteer assistant coach for the 2008 season, head coach Kate Drohan announced today.
In addition to working with the Northwestern pitching staff, Foster's duties will include throwing live batting practice to the Wildcats' hitters and working with the defense.
"As a member of our first recruiting class in 2002, Courtnay Foster has been a catalyst in the resurgence of the winning culture associated with our program," Drohan said. "Her contributions to the University extend far beyond her work on the field, and we are excited to have her back and involved with the program on a daily basis."
During her time as a Wildcat, Foster became the Wildcats' most dominant pitcher since Lisa Ishikawa led NU to three-consecutive Women's College World Series appearances in the mid 1980's. In Foster's career from 2003-06, the Tucson, Ariz., native compiled an 80-37 record with a 1.49 ERA and 1,014 strikeouts.
A 2005 NFCA All-America selection, she ranks in the top-25 in NCAA Division I history with a 9.12 strikeout per seven innings ratio. In one of the final outings of her career, Foster struck out 13 batters in 4.2 innings of relief against Alabama at the WCWS in 2006.
Foster was a three-time All-Big Ten and Academic All-Big Ten honoree, and also a two-time NFCA All-Mideast Region accolade winner. In addition to her prowess in the circle, Foster's natural leadership ability helped mentor 2007 NU graduate Eileen Canney to three All-America honors, several school pitching records and invitations to the USA Softball National Team selection camp.
"Along with pitching coach Tori Nyberg, Courtnay's strong teaching skills and mentoring ability will be key in the development of our young pitching staff," Drohan said.
Foster graduated from Northwestern in June of 2006 with a degree in communication studies. She resides in Chicago.