Murphy Has His Hitting Coach

Many Alabama softball fans have wondered for years why Tide Head Coach Patrick Murphy didn't hire a hitting coach, choosing instead to handle that job himself.

That's changed, Murphy said Wednesday. He no longer will coach hitting, and he hired not one but two people to handle those duties.

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The primary hitting coach wlll be former Bama Coordinator of Player Development, is now a full-time assistant since schools were allowed to add a third coach.

"I think just to have one voice for the hitters is much better because it was my fault that it was muddled in the past," Murphy said. "We had too many chefs in the kitchen, and now I said I’m just going to be their biggest cheerleader. I’ll throw batting practice whenever they want, and just listen to him. He’s really really good at what he has does, so we’re happy he’s here.”

Arbour's former role is now being filled by former volunteer assistant and former Tide player Ryan Iamurri.

One of Iamurri's former teammates is on hand now as full time assistant and she will also hellp with the short game aspect of hitting such as bunting and slapping.

That would be former All-American and SEC Network analyst Kayla Braud.

"I mean, [Braud's] on the wall," noted sophomore infielder Kenleigh Cahalan, referring to the photographs of All-Americans on the outfield fence at Rhoads Stadium.

Braud hit a school record .505 her freshman season. That's nearly unheard of in college softball.

Said Murphy: "To have a former player say yes to Alabama twice in her career means a lot to me. We tell every young lady who enters the Rhoads House that this is a long-term relationship that extends far past their playing days.

" I know our players will absolutely love her competitiveness and her ability to relate to their experiences on and off the field."

Alabama begins a four weekend fall slate by taking on Shelton State Sunday. Here is the full fall schedule: