The St. Edward’s University softball team will be under new leadership this season, involving a familiar duo who aren’t strangers to the diamond or each other.

Cat Osterman, a four-time All American and Olympic gold and silver medalist, was named Assistant Coach for her former college teammate, Lindsay Gardner, who was named Head Coach for the Hilltoppers in July. The pair played together at the University of Texas from 2002-2003, helping the Longhorns advance to the Texas Woman’s College World Series in 2003.

Gardner is no stranger to St. Edward’s University: she was an assistant softball coach with the Hilltoppers in 2007 before leaving to take a position in the private sector. Gardner replaces former Head Coach Amy Caulter, who resigned in May after eight seasons with the Hilltoppers. Gardner is the sixth head softball coach in university history.

“I’m extremely happy to be back,” Gardner said. “I heard that the job was open, sent in my application, got an interview and ended up getting the things.”

Gardner says the team has already had a few meetings to outline the kinds of expectations the team is required to meet.

“I think that our new coaches and returning grad assistant are going to create a great opportunity for the program to be successful as well as bring a new energy to our team,” said senior pitcher Lana Jo Hairston. “We expect their energy and passion for the game to take us to a higher spirit.”

With new coaches and a fresh season ahead, the Hilltoppers have much to look forward to this year.

“We are still in a transition period and are working on establishing relationships,” Hairston said. “But we are playing some very tough games this year and would really appreciate our student body coming out and supporting