IUSB Hires Lightfoot To Direct Softball Program
SOUTH BEND – The Indiana University South Bend athletic department is happy to announce the hiring of Brittney Lightfoot to head the University’s softball program that is set to begin competition in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAC) in the fall of 2016.
“I am very humbled and honored to be leading IU South Bend as their softball coach, “said Lightfoot. “I feel I have learned a great deal as an assistant and am ready for the challenge of not only competing in a strong conference like the CCAC, but also developing student-athletes.”
Lightfoot comes to IU South Bend after serving as an assistant coach at Bethel College for the last six years. During her tenure as an assistant she has helped lead the Pilots to an overall record of 130-89. Working primarily with pitchers, Lightfoot has had two pitchers named Crossroads Pitcher of the Year.
Prior to beginning her coaching career, Lightfoot was a standout pitcher for the Pilots after transferring to Bethel College from NCAA Division I University of Detroit-Mercy. In her first season with the Pilots, she posted a 24-6 record with a 1.15 earned run average to lead Bethel to its first ever NAIA National Tournament appearance.
In three seasons at Bethel, Ligghtfoot left her mark in the record book as she tallied 71 wins and 644 career strikeouts which are 200 more than any other pitcher in Bethel softball history. She was also a two-time NAIA All-American.
“We are excited to have Brittney join our team here at IU South Bend and to lead our new softball program,” said Executive Director of Athletic and Activities, Steve Bruce. “Brittney is a high-character person who will bring energy, enthusiasm, and most importantly, a desire to make a positive difference.”
Lightfoot, the former Brittney Hire, was a standout pitcher at Concord High School during her prep career. She is married to Robbie Lightfoot, who played basketball at both NorthWood High School and Bethel College and who is the son of longtime Bethel men’s basketball coach Mike Lightfoot.
Lightfoot will begin her coaching duties at IU South Bend immediately in preparation for the 2016 fall season.
Visit www.iusbtitans.com for more information on the IU South Bend softball program.