Wednesday, September 07, 2011

MACON, Ga. – Director of Athletics Jim Cole has announced that former Louisiana State University associate head coach James DeFeo has been named as Mercer University's new softball head coach. DeFeo is the sixth head coach in program history and replaces Mike Raynor, who resigned in August (after five seasons at the Bears' helm) for personal reasons.

DeFeo brings a strong – and successful – softball background to what will be his first stint as a collegiate head coach. Overall as a college coach, DeFeo has been a part of more than 600 victories, five conference championships, 12 trips to the NCAA tournament and four Women's College World Series berths. None of the college programs where he has been on staff have ever suffered a losing season.

"I am truly excited to have a coach with James' credentials become a part of the Mercer staff," MU Director of Athletics Jim Cole said. "He is a proven winner and has been a part of some outstanding softball programs. His experience coaching in the SEC will also be a valuable tool.

"We had some outstanding applicants for our position, which says a lot about the potential that is ahead for our softball. I believe James has what it takes to help Mercer's program reach that next level and beyond."

DeFeo spent a large portion of his coaching career under the tutelage of legendary LSU head coach Yvette Girouard, who retired from coaching after the 2011 season. In his 11 seasons with the LSU staff – the past seven as the associate head coach – the Tigers rolled up a record of 526-171-1 (.754), finished ranked in the top-20 nationally 10 seasons, qualified for the NCAA championship tournament 10 times and had two trips to the WCWS (2001 and 2004) where LSU finished third both times.

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The Atlantic Sun Conference is an NCAA Division I league with 10 member institutions committed to Building Winners for Life. The A-Sun meets the challenge of maintaining the highest standards in academic and athletic achievement with a true balance between student and athlete. Headquartered in Macon, Ga., the A-Sun boasts six of the top eight media markets in the Southeast. The A-Sun includes a blend of the most prestigious and dynamic private and public institutions in the region: Belmont University, East Tennessee State University, Florida Gulf Coast University, Jacksonville University, Kennesaw State University, Lipscomb University, Mercer University, University of North Florida, University of South Carolina Upstate and Stetson University.