June 18, 2008

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McNeese State introduced Natalie Poole as its new softball coach and also opened its new Hodges Street women's athletic facility on Wednesday.

Poole, a former Cowgirl player and assistant coach, has served as head softball coach at Georgia Southern for the past seven years, coaching her teams to 212 victories including a 37-30 won-lost mark this past season.

During her tenure there she was named the Southern Conference's coach of the year and led the Eagles to their first ever NCAA tournament appearance.

Poole was the Cowgirl starting catcher for four years, three times was named to the all-Southland Conference team, was named an academic all-American in 1997, twice earned all-South regional honors, was a three time academic district pick and an all-Louisiana selection.

She was also named the Cowgirl most valuable player and served as an assistant coach from 1999 to 2001, taking over as head coach at Georgia Southern in 2001.

In her speech to the media and fans on Wednesday, Poole said that she was excited to be coming "home" and that she looked forward to building a successful Cowgirl program.

The new Hodges Street facility will house McNeese's softball and soccer programs.

The building is located on the south side of the softball diamond. The one story structure covers 5,400 square feet and houses eight offices, two team dressing rooms/restrooms/showers, a team meeting room, laundry room, a lobby including a lighted trophy case and a secretary's office.

Funds for the new facility came from the university's self generated program as well as from the Cowboy Club and the PetroChem Athletic Association, two booster organizations.

Curtis Vincent was the architect and the contractor was Priola Construction.

McNeese State's Hodges Street fieldhouse had an open house on Wednesday.