Aug. 30, 2007

WALESKA, Ga. -- Glen Crawford has been named the new head softball coach at Reinhardt College, Athletic Director Bill Popp recently announced. Crawford comes to Reinhardt from McEachern High School in Powder Springs, Ga. He replaces Christina Wilcoxson, who resigned last month to start the program as head coach at Southern States Athletic Conference (SSAC) rival Auburn University Montgomery.

"It's always been a dream of mine to coach in college," Crawford said after accepting his first collegiate coaching position. "I was excited about even getting the opportunity to interview for the position and then when Coach Popp called and offered it to me, it was like a milestone of mine had been reached.

"I'm excited about being at Reinhardt and continuing what's been started here. I think we have an excellent recruiting bed here, and I think we have excellent things to offer student-athletes. I really want to build on the success the softball program has had."

Reinhardt is in only its fourth year of sponsoring an intercollegiate softball program as a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). Last spring in the program's third season of competition, the Lady Eagles finished 33-21 overall, including 19-9 in the SSAC. Reinhardt was ranked as high as No. 19 nationally in the NAIA. In 2006, the Lady Eagles ended with a 36-20 overall mark and were 23-9 within the conference, finishing ranked 21^st in the final NAIA poll.

"I am pleased that Coach Crawford has taken over as our head softball coach," Popp said. "Glen brings great knowledge of the game, very high energy, and a renewed excitement to the program. I feel he will keep us moving in the right direction.

"Glen has already made an impact; that tells you we hired the right person for the job. Again, I am very pleased we were able to coax him away from McEachern."

Crawford arrived at Reinhardt from McEachern, where he served as both a softball and baseball coach. Crawford was the head fastpitch softball coach at McEachern in 2006 after spending the previous two years as an assistant coach. He also served as an assistant coach for the Indians' baseball program the past three campaigns. In 2004, he coached baseball at Lithia Springs (Ga.) High School.

Crawford's teaching experience in physical education includes one year at McEachern and two years at Tapp Middle School in Powder Springs. He also did student teaching at Turner Middle School in Lithia Springs.

Prior to getting into the teaching and coaching profession, Crawford worked in sales for nine years. He played baseball for two seasons at Union College in Barbourville, Ky., before having his career cut short with an injury. After being in sales, he returned to Union, earning his Bachelor of Science degree in physical education/health in 2003.

A Hillsboro, Ohio, native, Crawford currently resides in Dallas, Ga., with his wife Julie and daughters Haylie and Riley.