Otterbein Athletics has hired Brooke Donovan as the new 2018 head softball coach.
Donovan comes to Otterbein from Ohio University where she spent one year as assistant head coach and camp director. Donovan’s hire comes following the resignation of Christine Steines, who leaves a nine season record of 190-142-2.
During Donovan’s year at Ohio University, softball posted a 40-17 record and won the MAC championship. Prior to her time at Ohio University, Donovan was an assistant coach and graduate assistant at Wesley College in Dover, Delaware. Donovan’s playing record consists of four years of outfield starting for Coastal Carolina where she holds the record of most games played at 234.
Donovan said she feels excited to come on board at Otterbein, especially after coming to campus and meeting some of the players.
"I saw this as an opportunity for me and I love the area," said Donovan. "I came on campus and just fell in love with this place and I met some of the girls during my interview and again just couldn't wait to potentially be their coach."
Donovan is coming to an Otterbein team whose past three seasons have resulted in a 96-25-2 record, three Ohio Athletics championships and an appearance in the NCAA playoffs. Given the strong record Donovan is stepping into, the possibility of continuing that level of performance was less of a concern and more of an enticing proposition.
“It can be challenging to keep a high culture, but it is also not something I am unfamiliar with," said Donovan. "We had a great season at Ohio this past year and I believe that coming into this position I have a lot of ideas to keep us doing well and take us to new successes."
The fall softball season starts the beginning of September, and the first game will be in the spring.
