BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Head Coach Megan Curry of the Samford softball team announced Monday the hiring of Sarah Cespedes as assistant coach.
 
"I am so excited for Sarah to be a part of our Samford family! She brings an exceptional wealth of knowledge when it comes to pitching and is a competitor through and through," Curry said. "Her heart to love and empower these athletes will set her apart. Welcome, Sarah!"
 
Cespedes comes to Samford after a successful season at Birmingham-Southern College. In her lone season leading the Panther pitching staff, BSC finished runner-up in the conference with a 24-17 overall record and a 13-5 mark in league play.
 
"I am incredibly honored and excited to join the Samford University family," Cespedes said. "I'm looking forward to working with each of these athletes and contributing to their growth on and off the field. I can't wait to get started!"
 
Cespedes broke into the coaching ranks with the travel ball Firecrackers AL-Matthews 14U and 18U teams.
 
No stranger to Birmingham, Cespedes played collegiately at UAB. In her five-year career for the Blazers, she pitched 401.2 innings with a 3.33 ERA and 294 strikeouts in 132 appearances.
 
During her time at UAB, Cespedes was a recipient of the Conference USA Commissioner's Academic Medal and was named to the C-USA Commissioner's Academic Honor Roll. She graduated from UAB with bachelors and masters degrees in elementary education.
 
The Sterrett, Alabama native prepped at Chelsea High School and led the Fighting Hornets to a 6A state title in 2016. During the run, she was named 6A state MVP, Sportz Blitz Player of the Week, and Shelby County Player of the Year. In 2017 she was named to the 6A State Second Team, Birmingham All-Region Softball Team, and to the All-County First Team. 
 
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