Athletic Report
June 22, 2001

ENMU SOFTBALL COACHES NAMED SOUTH
CENTRAL REGION COACHING STAFF-OF-THE-YEAR
PORTALES, NM — Eastern New Mexico University Co-Head Coaches Kathleen and James Rodriguez, along with graduate assistant coach Dana Lambert, have been chosen the 2001 NCAA Division II South Central Region Coaching Staff-of-the-Year in voting by members of the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA).

ENMU concluded the season with a 38-14-1 overall record, after tying for fifth place at the NCAA Division II National Finals in Salem, Va. Kathleen and James Rodriguez have been at ENMU for three seasons. Kathleen was the Zias’ head coach during the 1999 and 2000 seasons, while James was an assistant coach for two years before joining Kathleen as a co-head coach this season. Dana Lambert was a graduate assistant coach this year, after serving as a student assistant coach for three seasons.

The ENMU coaching staff guided the Zias to a 34-10-1 regular season record, including Eastern’s first ever LSC South title at 12-2 in conference play. The Zias took second place at the LSC Tournament, reaching the championship round with an undefeated record before falling to Southeastern Oklahoma State University, 1-0 and 2-1 (10 innings). The season featured an 11-game winning streak that set an ENMU record. Kathleen and James were named LSC South Coaches-of-the-Year.

ENMU, in its fifth year of intercollegiate competition, was selected for its first ever NCAA Division II National Tournament berth, and won the South Central Regional Tournament to advance to the National Finals. The Zias were 3-0 during the Regional, allowing just two runs and winning the championship game against St. Mary’s University (Texas), 4-0, behind a complete-game 1-hitter from Jennifer Harrer (Sr., RHP, Albuquerque, NM/Hope Christian H.S.).

At the National Finals, ENMU lost to eventual runner-up Lewis University (Ill.), 3-0, and defeated Dowling College (N.Y.), 2-0, before losing to Nebraska-Omaha. Kathleen and James live in Portales with their sons, Ryan, age 3, and Aryn, born May 18. Kathleen gave birth to Aryn during the National Finals.

Lambert has been with the Eastern New Mexico softball team since its inception. She was an outfielder on the inaugural squad in 1996-97, and became an assistant coach the following season. Lambert is single and lives in Portales.

The Coaching Staff-of-the-Year in each of the NCAA’s eight regions was eligible for the National Coaching Staff-of-the-Year Award, which went to the University of Nebraska-Omaha. UNO won the 2001 NCAA Division II National Championship, and defeated ENMU, 3-0, during the National Finals.