From the beginning of the 2007 season it seemed the U softball team was missing something. After coming off a solid performance in 2005, the Utes had their eye on a conference championship in 2007. The return of many starters gave Utah the talent to compete, but the latest Utah softball season was a disappointment to say the least.
The departure of head coach Mona Stevens, followed by the hiring of coach Angie Jacobs, was supposed to fill a void. Instead, it created one.
After just one season at the helm, Jacobs left the program with a 25-26-1 mark overall and 5-14 record in Mountain West action–leaving the Utes as dwellers in the Mountain West Conference basement.
“This was a difficult season in many ways and I felt it was in my best interest, and in the best interest of the team, to move on and pursue something else,” Jacobs said.
The situation was also problematic for the players.
“The morale last year was not a very good experience,” Utah shortstop Staci Hemingway said. “Physically we had it last year, but mentally we did not.”
On May 24 the Utah softball team got a jolt of life from a familiar face. Former Ute All-American Amy Hogue accepted the position to become Utah’s fifth head softball coach.
“My experience at Utah as an athlete was picture perfect,” Hogue said. “I was set up to succeed in every way, and that’s the vision that I will have for my athletes. It can be an incredible feeling what college athletics can offer young women who aspire to succeed at the highest levels. I know the U can offer that and if I draw from my experience as a player, I know we will have a good program.”
In Hogue, the Utes gain championship-level experience. Hogue guided the Utes to College World Series appearances in 1991 and 1994 as a player. As head coach at Salt Lake Community College from 1999 to 2004 Hogue helped the Bruins compile a record of 197-82. Administrators hope Hogue can mimic those feats at Utah.
“The applicant pool for this position was outstanding,” said Associate Athletic Director Mary Bowman. “The University of Utah is deeply committed to its softball program, and we are excited that Amy Hogue has returned to the U to lead this team.”
Around the softball program, a sense of rejuvenation is allowing players to be excited about Utah softball again.
“I think this year is going to be awesome. I don’t know if I have the words to describe it,” Hemingway said. “Coach Hogue bleeds red–she loves Utah. She told us she is willing to get down in the trenches with us.”