Saint Mary's Announces Megumi Takasaki as Head Softball Coach
8/18/2003 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Aug. 18, 2003
Moraga, CA - Saint Mary's College Director of Athletics Carl R. Clapp announced today the hiring of Megumi Takasaki as the new head softball coach. Takasaki's tenure at Saint Mary's will begin on September 8, 2003.
"After a competitive search, the search committee was unanimous that Megumi was the right person for the position. Her coaching experience will enhance the competitiveness and growth of our softball program," said Associate Director of Athletics Stephanie Shrieve. "Most importantly we believe she is an outstanding role model for our student-athletes. We are impressed by her commitment and passion for softball and her ability to be a leader within the Catholic, Liberal Arts and Lasallian traditions of the College."
Takasaki comes to Saint Mary's after spending three years working in the Spanish Olympic Training Center in Barcelona, Spain. She was given the opportunity to develop a softball program in the Olympic center for players ranging from 14 to 29 years of age. The goal of the program is to prepare the players for competition on the National Senior and Junior softball teams. During her time at the Olympic Training Center, she was also the top assistant coach for the Spanish National Team. She helped lead the team to a No. 5 ranking in Europe.
"Receiving this opportunity to lead the Gaels through the 2003-04 season is an honor for me," said Takasaki. "After having spent the past three years developing the softball program in Spain, I hope to continue the process on a higher level in my own country. During my visit to SMC, I was excited with what I saw in the staff and players. The only thing that we have to do now is get to work!"
Following an outstanding career as a member of the California softball program, Takasaki embarked on a one-year stint in the Women's Professional Softball League. She was a member of the Carolina Diamonds during the summer of 1999.
While at California, Takasaki enjoyed a four-year career as a starting catcher for the Golden Bears. During her tenure at Cal, she helped her team advance to the NCAA Regional Tournament each year, while advancing to the College World Series in 1996 and 1999. She currently ranks in the top-five in four career offensive categories at Cal. She ranks third in runs scored (128), fourth in at-bats (740), and fifth in home runs (15) and hit by pitch (10).
Takasaki replaces Trisha Dean who, after serving two years as the head coach, resigned her position to work as an assistant softball coach at Stanford.
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