July 5, 2007

MOBILE, Ala. - The University of Mobile (Ala.) has announced that Terri McCormick will take over as head coach of the softball program.

Coby Mackin has decided to step down in order to spend more time with her new daughter, giving assistant Terri McCormick the reins of the nationally competitive program that she helped build as a student-athlete.

McCormick graduated from the University of Mobile with a B.S in sports medicine and a Masters in physical education in 1997. She was the first three-time All-American softball player for UM, and helped lead the team to its very first national tournament appearance. The Satsuma native served as Mackin's assistant over the past year at Mobile, and the two of them teamed up for four years to start up the Spring Hill College softball program.

McCormick is excited about the opportunity to lead the talented squad returning for the 2007-08 season. "Coby did an excellent job in leaving the program in good shape with a very talented team of athletes returning, as well three impact players, coming in from successful junior college programs." McCormick said. "I have no doubt that we will continue to build on the success the program has experienced for many years."

While McCormick is confident the team has the talent to be successful on the field, she will continue to focus on the program's overall impact. "Softball teaches the girls a lot about life, and we use elements of the game to help teach them to be prepared for their future after softball," she said. "I have a unique opportunity to impact their lives, and teach them to be confident leaders when they graduate. I don't take that responsibility lightly."

McCormick has hired former graduate assistant Maribel Riera to be her assistant coach. Riera was an All-American on the University of Mobile softball team's 2006 National Championship team and gained valuable experience working with Mackin and McCormick last season.