Marshall University Athletics
Merb and Twiss to Join Stanton on Softball Coaching Staff
8/2/2004 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Merb and Twiss to Join Stanton on Softball Coaching Staff
8/2/2004
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. ? Marshall University softball head coach Shonda Stanton has announced the hiring of Kim Merb as first assistant coach and the promotion of Brandon Twiss to second assistant.
Merb, who has 25 years experience in the softball arena including seven in coaching and player management, comes to Marshall via Shawnee State University. Merb, who was a four-time All-American and conference player of the year during her stint on the Shawnee State pitching mound, also grabbed the NAIA Player of the Year award in 1997 along with the NAIA National Tournament MVP in 1996. Since May 2000, Merb has been an assistant coach and teacher at Shawnee State while gaining a Master of Physical Education and Sport Science degree from Ohio University earlier this summer. Merb, who is a Canada-native, is a member of the NAIA Hall of Fame and the Shawnee State Hall of Fame.
?Kim is a superb addition to our program,? Stanton said. ?She has a wealth of experience including professional (Italy in 2000), Olympic (Reserve Canadian squad in 1998) and collegiate with her stellar career across the river at Shawnee State in Portsmouth.
"She is going to be instrumental in the growth of our young pitching staff.?
Twiss, who will embark on his third season with the Marshall softball program, will complete his master?s degree in athletic administration from Marshall University in December of 2004.
Twiss, a Canal Winchester, Ohio, native, graduated from Ohio University in 2002 where he earned a bachelor?s degree in physical education with a minor in geography.
At OU, Twiss served as a student assistant coach for the Bobcats for three seasons. He helped lead the Bobcats to two consecutive trips to the Mid-American Conference tournament.
During his stint as a graduate assistant for the Herd, Twiss was a part of the 2003 MAC Regular Season Championship squad which set a program record for wins with 41.
?We are thrilled to have Brandon remain part of this program,? Stanton said. ?He has been a huge asset as a graduate assistant for two years and we are looking forward to him taking the next step as a part of Marshall softball.?
Tracee McCoy will also return for her second season as a volunteer graduate assistant in the fall.
"I can't say enough good things about this staff," Stanton said. "They all bring something special to the table and will undoubtedly help take Marshall softball to the next level."