Sept. 9, 2010
EVANSTON, Ill. -- Former Northwestern All-America pitcher Courtnay Foster -- who starred for the Wildcats from 2003-06 -- has been named NU's new pitching coach, head coach Kate Drohan announced today (Sept. 9).
After graduating with a degree in communication studies following the 2006 Women's College World Series, Foster returned to Northwestern as a volunteer assistant coach in 2008. She helped lead the Wildcats to both the Big Ten regular-season and tournament championships as a member of the coaching staff.
"Courtnay has been a catalyst in the winning culture associated with our program both as a player and a coach," 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. Her strong teaching skills and mentoring ability will be key in the development of our pitching staff."
Following 2008, Foster and fellow former Wildcat Katie Logan played professionally in Nuoro in Sardinia, Italy, for one season. She then moved home to her native Tucson, Ariz., serving as the lead softball instructor at Yard East while giving pitching lessons and working clinics throughout the Tucson and Phoenix areas. She also took on management roles at the Yard.
"I have never been more excited about a job as I am about this one," Foster said. "I am prepared, confident and engaged in my position, and I am very clear about the role I expect to have in our program. I feel like I have come full circle in my softball career now that I am back in Evanston."
A member of the Drohans' first recruiting class in 2002, 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, she compiled an 80-37 record with a 1.49 ERA and 1,014 strikeouts. In one of her final outings as a senior, Foster struck out 13 batters in 4.2 innings of relief to earn the win against Alabama in the opening round of the 2006 WCWS.
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 and several school pitching records. Canney now is a successful professional with both the Chicago Bandits of the NPF and overseas in Japan while also earning a spot on the 2010 USA Softball Women's National Team.
Foster succeeds six-year NU coach Tori Nyberg, who earned her master's degree in counseling psychology from Northwestern in 2009. Nyberg is leaving the coaching profession to pursue professional opportunities related to her field of study.
"I want to thank Tori Nyberg for her tremendous contributions to our program," Drohan said. "She has been instrumental in helping shape the vision and direction of Northwestern Softball, and we wish her the best in her new career."
Foster played for two years under Nyberg, earning NFCA All-America honors in 2005 and helping pitch the Wildcats to a runner-up finish at the 2006 Women's College World Series.
"I have a really great relationship with Tori," Foster said. "I hope I can fill her shoes not only in taking over the pitching staff, but also in her skill for organization off the field. She has a great amount of softball knowledge and I am sure I will use her as a resource on a regular basis."
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