The University of Mary Washington athletic department is pleased to announce the hiring of Hanaria (Hannah) Qualls as the new head softball coach, according to Director of Athletics Patrick Catullo.

Qualls comes to Mary Washington from Huntingdon College, where she served as hitting instructor and assistant coach for the Hawks, who saw four players named first team all-conference and bat .400 or better this spring, with two gaining All-America honors.

"We look forward to having Coach Qualls join UMW Athletics as the next head coach of the softball program", said Catullo. "Coach Qualls' coaching ability and proven work ethic will be a great asset to the team and the department."

"I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to be named the next head coach at UMW", said Qualls. "I would like to thank Patrick Catullo, Caitlin Moore, and the rest of the selection committee for entrusting me with this opportunity. I am more than eager to get to work and create a winning culture here at UMW on and off the softball field. I am honored to represent the program, and officially be a member of the Eagle family!"

The holder of a Master of Occupational Therapy from Alabama State University, she received her bachelor of sports management from Faulkner University. In addition to serving as an assistant at Huntingdon, She brings experience as head 16U coach and hitting instructor for the West Florida Elite travel team, and as head coach for 16U and 18U Fury travel team in Chattanooga, Tenn.

She served as assistant coach at Bryan College three seasons, serving as hitting instructor, strength and conditioning coach, and ran infield/outfield defensive practices in addition to directing recruiting tournaments and camps.