The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/703389
WHERE ARE THEY NOW? "You're trying to visualize it all be‑ fore it happens. There are so many lit‑ tle decisions to make about carpeting, flooring, a team room. You really have to think long term — not just what's going to be good for the team and the program right now, but we're making history. The decisions we make today are going to have a long‑term impact for our program, for many years to come." Michigan, and the softball program in Ann Arbor, impacted her forever, Young asserted. She doesn't have to think too hard or cast about too long for guidance in fashioning a top‑level program. Young played for the winningest coach in the history of the college game in Carol Hutchins, who pushed her to become a three‑time All‑Amer‑ ican even after Young blew out a knee at the beginning of her career. Hutchins is but a phone call away, and that's a comfort. "Ever since I graduated, I've stayed pretty close to Hutch," Young said. "Most of us do. She had a big impact on us while we were there and contin‑ ued to do so long after we leave her program. She has mentored me and had a huge impact on my coaching career. "I definitely respect her insight and advice for big decisions. She's been very supportive. She's seen and heard it all in her career at Michigan, so she's got a lot of advice and exper‑ tise to give." Specifically, Young learned how to strain away the extraneous concerns regarding the task at hand, and how to focus in on what's really important. She noted Hutchins always cut to the The Marissa Young File Michigan Accomplishments: Earned All-America honors in 2001, 2002 and 2003 for Michigan, posting an 88-24 career record … Set a school record for career strikeouts with 927 … Posted a perfect game in 2002, striking out 14 of the 18 batters she faced versus Utah State … Led the Wolverines in wins and strikeouts for four consecutive seasons (2000-03). Michigan Memory: "It's just being able to be part of a program like Michigan. So many people in the community really take pride in Michigan softball. No matter where I went, there were fans in the stands, fans at restaurants we went to. You knew you were part of something special. I'm thankful to be part of that." Professional Accomplishments: Named Duke head softball coach in July 2015 … Coached pitchers and catchers at North Carolina in 2014-15 … Worked as an assistant coach at Eastern Michigan in 2012-13 … Served as head coach at Concordia University from 2008-11 … Played pro softball for a year in Italy and a second season with the Texas Thunder of the National Pro Fastpitch League. Education: Graduated from Michigan in 2003 with a bachelor's degree in criminal justice. Family: Husband James Lamar, children Layla (10), Jolyna (9) and Kayden (6).