Dec. 20, 2010

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Former South Carolina four-year letter-winner Chrissy Schoonmaker returns to the Gamecock softball program as a volunteer assistant coach.

“Chrissy has been a great addition to our staff,” said head coach Beverly Smith. “We are trying to expose her to as many aspects of coaching, from administrative duties to on the field practice. She has been excellent in all areas. The positive attitude she brings every day is infectious. With the combination of her competitiveness, her desire to win and the pride she has for her alma mater, I know she will have an impact on our team this season.”

Schoonmaker, a 2007 graduate who completed her master’s in 2009 at South Carolina, played from 2004-06 before returning from a broken neck to play in 2008. A five-time Southeastern Conference Academic Honor Roll member and two-time National Fastpitch Coaches Association Scholar-Athlete, she earned a spot on the initial SEC All-Defensive Team in 2008 as one of two second basemen selected. As a player, Schoonmaker played all four infield positions and the outfield during her four years on the diamond, posting eight career home runs during her career.

Since completing her eligibility, Schoonmaker spent a year in the Gamecocks’ revenue development department before moving to a public relations job at Lexington Medical Center. To start her coaching career, she served as an assistant softball coach at Dreher High School in 2009 before being promoted to co-head coach in 2010.