mfreter@mavs.coloradomesa.edu

Before a successful campaign last spring, coach Kristin Mort made the decision to retire after her 19th year as the head of the CMU softball program in order to take on full-time administrative duties at the University. After her departure, the athletic department wasted no time in searching to find a new coach that would be able to carry on the winning tradition that had been set in the past two decades. In early July, the search came to an end with the hiring of Candace Abrams. Her choice to take the job included several factors that she saw as great opportunities.

“I’ve always loved Colorado and I love being here,” Abrams said. “The RMAC conference has a lot of good competition and there is a strong foundation that has already been built here.”

Coach Abrams is coming to Colorado Mesa with a wealth of coaching and playing experience. As a student athlete at the University of Arizona, she was a four-year letter winner and an honorable mention All-American while playing on the 2001 D1 National Championship team. After college, Abrams served as an assistant coach on several college teams, including the NJCAA 2006 D1 champion Pima Community College, D2 Barry University and her alma mater at Arizona. She then held head coaching positions at Catalina Foothills High School in Tucson, Ariz. and the U-18 Players Edge Elite Travel team in California.

As a new addition to the CMU coaching staff, Abrams is prepared to begin working with a program that is already playing at a high level.

“I think (the team) is in a really good place,” Abrams said. “I think that the challenge of pushing us and getting to that next level is going to be a good thing to do.”

There is plenty of talent returning for Coach Abrams to work with this season. First team All-American pitcher Courtney Maihi and first team All-Conference outfielder Jessica Albertson will headline a team that reached the NCAA Central Regional tournament last season. Abrams has high hopes for her squad in her inaugural season as head coach that include competing for an RMAC championship and returning to the Central Regional tournament.

“I have some pretty lofty goals and expectations and I think this team is completely capable of doing it,” Abrams said. “I’m excited to get to work with them and hit the ground running.”