MACOMB, Ill. – Western Illinois head softball coach Holly Van Vlymen announced the hiring of Liz Young as the team's new assistant coach on Wednesday, Dec. 1.

She will serve as the team's hitting instructor and will also work closely with the outfielders and catchers while also assisting in recruiting and other day-to-day operations.

"I'm so thankful to have the opportunity to share my passion and knowledge for the game at one of the most elite levels this sport has to offer," said Young. "Whether our student-athletes go on eventually to play at a higher level or take their degree and excel in the professional world I hope to find a way to share my life experience with each player individually that may be a stepping stool to where they want to go."

Young comes to Western Illinois after spending time as a coach at both the college and high school levels. She previously served as the head coach at Nordonia High School in Macedonia, Ohio before joining the Fighting Leathernecks.

"I am very excited that Liz will be joining our staff," said Van Vlymen. "She has been a true student of the game throughout her playing career and into her post playing experiences. She brings great energy, excitement and passion for the game to our program that will positively impact everyone in our program. Her knowledge and coaching strategies will be a huge asset to our program."

Young also served as an assistant coach at the University of New Mexico from 2007-09 where she was responsible for developing practice plans, coaching the outfielders and assisting with other day-to-day operations.

She graduated from the University of New Mexico in 2009 as a double-major in American Sign Language Interpreting and Intercultural Communications. Young also played for the Lobos from 2005-06 where she was a two-time Academic All-Mountain West and set the program's single-season record for most runners caught stealing. She started in 94 games in two seasons at New Mexico after transferring from Kent State.

In addition to her collegiate playing career, Young also played professionally for the Akron Racers of the National Pro Fastpitch League during the 2010 season.

"I've been blessed to have great fundamental coaching as an athlete and even better mentors along the way," said Young. "I believe I will bring a fresh outlook and approach to not only the physical aspect of the game, but also the mental approach of each individual athlete. It is my dream to coach at the collegiate level and my passion for this game continues to thrive the more I learn about myself as a coach."

Young also served as the publicity manager/camp instructor for the Got Bustos? softball camps, an instructional camp run by two-time Olympic Gold Medalist and former Team USA member Crystl Bustos. During her time with the camp, Young was responsible for managing all schedules, contracts and budget aspects of the camp as well as providing instruction in all areas of the game.

"Liz will serve as our hitting coach and will also work with the catchers and outfielders," said Van Vlymen. "She has had great experiences as a catcher and hitter playing Division I softball and in the NPF for the Akron Racers and most recently working closely with Crystl Bustos as a hitting instructor. These invaluable experiences will take our team to a higher level in all aspects."

She has also served as a softball instructor and strength and agility coach for the Albuquerque Baseball Academy where she helped athletes develop and refine their skills while also developing strength and conditioning workouts for both men's baseball and women's softball teams. Young has also worked as a camp instructor for several college camps.

Off the field, Young served as a student-athlete mentor at New Mexico where she provided academic support by scheduling tutoring sessions and mentoring student-athletes. She also served as the President of New Mexico's Student Athlete Advisory Council and was the chair of the Mountain West S.A.A.C. while she was a student.

The Las Vegas native has also been highly active in community service projects having logged over 200 hours as a sign language interpreter during her time at New Mexico.

"I've heard nothing but good things about where Western has come from and the direction the program is going," said Young. "I've been anticipating my arrival here for over a month and I can't wait to get to know the team and help continue their success on and off the field."