By Ben Risinger, SID
November 5, 2003

BLUFFTON , OHIO - Bluffton College has announced that Holly Spann has accepted the position of head softball coach for the 2004 season. 

Spann, a 1996 graduate of Bluffton with degrees in Wellness and Communications, was a former standout for the softball team from 1992-1996. She still owns the career record for highest slugging percentage (.478) and is fourth in the on-base percentage category (.425). Spann also owns the single season record for highest slugging percentage (.544) and is tied for in for most doubles in a season with 10.

At the end of her senior year she was awarded the Kathryn E. Little award, which is given each year to the outstanding senior female athlete. After graduation Spann attended Baylor University where she received her master's degree in Health Education.

"I'm very excited to coach. The most rewarding part of coaching for me is working with players through all aspects of their career on and off the field," Spann said. "It is good to come back to a place that has meant so much to me and to be a part of such a great program."

Spann coached the traveling Northwest Ohio college summer softball team in 1996 and was the assistant volleyball coach at Lamburth University ( Jackson , Tenn. ) in 2001. She is also currently the Director of Residence Life at Bluffton College .

"We are very excited to have Holly as our new head softball coach," Athletics Director Phill Talavinia said. "She will bring experience, enthusiasm and a passion to our softball program."

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