Texas Tech Welcomes Sam Marder to Softball Staff
June 30, 2016 | Softball
Sam Marder joins the Texas Tech softball program as an assistant coach.
June 27, 2016
LUBBOCK. Texas -- Texas Tech head softball coach Adrian Gregory announced Monday the completion of her staff for the 2017 season with the hiring of Sam Marder as an assistant coach.
Marder, a former Ohio State standout and professional player, will oversee Texas Tech's offensive efforts while also working with the Red Raider catchers.
"We are ecstatic to have Sam join our staff," Gregory said. "Her passion and vibrancy for the game spills out of her at all times. I believe she will do an excellent job with our hitters, continuing both our tenacity and potency. Sam was an incredible player and has taken her experiences and competitiveness into coaching. Her desire to impact young women mixed with her passion for the game makes her an incredible addition to our program!"
Marder joins the Red Raiders following a three year stint as an assistant coach at the College of Charleston where she was able to transform the Cougar offense into one of the most efficient groups in the Colonial Athletic Association. Two of her players posted top-10 marks in batting average in 2016, and as a team, College of Charleston posted the sixth-highest batting average (.286) in a single season. The College also posted the fourth highest on-base percentage (.373) in a single season in program history.
Defensively, Charleston set program records in 2016 for the highest fielding percentage (.974) and fewest errors (42) in a single season, while six Cougars picked up post season honors including two CAA All-Freshman team members.
"I think it is an incredible opportunity that I couldn't pass up," Marder said. "I completely believe in Adrian's vision and the vision of Texas Tech. I really wanted to be a part of this program and a part of this athletic department. I think our staff will be a great team and that we will accomplish all of the goals Adrian has laid out for this program."
Prior to her time in Charleston, Marder served as an assistant coach at Boise State where she worked primarily with the Broncos' outfielders. Under her tutelage, the Broncos set the school record for team fielding percentage in 2012 while tying for second in the Mountain West. The Broncos finished the 2012 season ranked No. 57 in the RPI, a mark that stands as the programs' best finish.
During her second season with the Broncos, Marder turned her attention to the offense, taking on more responsibility as the team's hitting coach. Following the season, the Broncos boasted three hitters with averages over the .340 mark including one player who finished the season with an incredible .359 average at the plate.
"I really fell in love with the community within the Athletic Department at Texas Tech when I was there," added Marder. "After meeting everyone, it just feels like such a family environment and feels like a place that really invests in all sports on campus. Tech is a place that wants to see all of their programs be successful and they have really proven that by the investment the department has made in the softball program. I am so excited and see that the ceiling is so high for this program and I hope that I can help it achieve that success."
As a player, Marder set Ohio State career records for home runs (61), RBIs (191) and walks (232) during her decorated career in Columbus. Her walk total ranks No. 6 all-time in NCAA Division I history. She was a four-time All-Big Ten and All-Region selection from 2007-2010 while also being named to the 2009 second-team and 2008 third team All-America squads, making her just the second two-time All-American in Buckeye history.
After finishing her collegiate career, Marder made her professional debut with the NPF's Akron Racers in 2011, leading the squad with a .403 batting average, seven home runs and 17 RBIs. She helped Akron post a 22-17 record to finish second in the league and was named first-team All-NPF.
In 2012 Marder was named to the All-NPF Team and honored as the league's Offensive Player of the Year after batting .343 with eight home runs and 27 runs batted in. She ranked in the top five of the NPF in each triple crown category.
A native of Calabasas, Calif., Marder was a first-team all-state selection as a senior and three-time all-league and all-area honoree for Calabasas High School. Marder will join the Red Raider staff pending the completion of a routine background check, as is conducted with all new Texas Tech Athletic employees.