Sept. 9, 2004

Chicago, Ill. - University of Illinois at Chicago Co-Head Softball Coaches Tom Gray and Sarah O'Malley-Fisher announced on Thursday afternoon the addition of former University of South Florida standout hurler Leigh Ann Ellis as assistant coach.

"We are very excited to have Leigh Ann join our staff," O'Malley-Fisher said. "She comes from a great program at South Florida and brings with her many great experiences.

"Her background and desire to continue to learn the game is what we need and will really help our program."

Ellis, who earned Bachelor of Art degree from USF in May of 2004, was a star pitcher for the Bulls, racking up 77 wins and 633 strikeouts in her last two seasons. During her senior campaign, she set the school record for victories with 43, which was third-best in the country.

A finalist for 2004 National Collegiate Player of the Year and Louisville Slugger/NFCA All-America honoree, she twice garnered All-Conference USA First Team accolades during her collegiate tenure and took home C-USA Pitcher of the Year honors last year.

"Leigh Ann brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and intensity that will help our pitchers step up to the next level," Gray said. "She is a real team player and will instill that attitude into our players."

Ellis was a pitcher for the New England Riptide of the Nation Pro Fastpitch League prior to her arrival at UIC.

Outside of her playing credentials, Ellis has served has served as an instructor at several premier softball camps and clinics during her collegiate career. Off the field at USF, she was the president of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee and represented her university at the NCAA Leadership Conference.