Jaime Wallin has been named head coach of the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo women’s softball team.

Wallin, who picked up her 100th career victory in April 2009, coached NCAA Division I Lafayette College in 2010 after leading the Sonoma State Seawolves to their first winning season in nine years and first three postseason victories in program history. Along the way, she coached one California Collegiate Athletic Association Pitcher of the Year as well as one Newcomer of the Year and five all-region players.

Wallin was a two-time all conference player at Queens College, which captured the New York Collegiate Athletic Conference championship during her senior year. She was an assistant coach at Queens, University of California-Davis and Stony Brook University.

She holds a maser’s degree in kinesiology with a concentration in sport performance from California State University.

In Hilo, Wallin takes on a team that finished 35-16 under Interim Coach Fred Entilla in 2010. The Vulcans swept rival Brigham Young University-Hawaiʻi, 6-0 and 8-0, in Lāʻie to place fourth in the Pacific West Conference. Pitcher Amber Waracka and pitcher/designated/flex player Christina Pedroza were named first-team all-Pacific West Conference Softball Team selections. Centerfielder Sierra Green and third-baseman Amanda Tellez received second team honors in the coaches’ poll.

The team was bumped from the NCAA Division II West Regional hosted by Hawaiʻi Pacific University after a no-hit loss to California State, Monterey Bay, and a 2-1 eight-inning battle with Central Washington University.

“I am very proud of the accomplishments of our softball program and those that made it possible,” says Director of Athletics Dexter Irvin, noting the great community support and leadership of Entilla and base coach James Hirayama.

“Vulcan softball is in good hands and I know our players will appreciate the strengths and experience Coach Wallin has to offer,” he adds.

Tags: athletics, July10 issue, softball, UH Hilo, Vulcans