MACON, Ga.. – Wesleyan College announces the hiring of Tonya Medders as head coach for the Pioneer softball team. She begins her collegiate coaching career with the appointment.
A native of West Palm Beach, Fla., Medders has provided individual instruction to youth players throughout Middle Georgia and South Florida since starting her college playing career. In addition to her individual work, she served as a camp counselor at several elite summer camp programs.
The first-year coach concluded her playing career last spring, earning a variety of honors while starring at Georgia College & State University in nearby Milledgeville. She played infield and spent some time in the circle for the Bobcats, hitting .310 while committing only five errors during her senior campaign. Medders earned second team All-Peach Belt, PBC All-Tournament and NCAA Southeast Regional All-Tournament honors in 2009.
Prior to arriving at GCSU, Medders served as a two-year starting pitcher at Polk Community College and claimed PCC’s Female Athlete of the Year award in 2007.
Medders earned an Associate of Arts degree from Polk Community College in 2007 and plans to conclude her Bachelor of Science in Psychology degree from Georgia College & State University in the winter of 2010.
Medders has the competitive spirit of an athlete that will carry over as a coach, professing a philosophy rich in team-centered learning and cooperation. “No individual, coach or player is more important than the team itself,” states the first-year coach. “Winning builds pride but hard work, commitment and dedication does as well. I expect everyone to put the best interest of the team first. We are here to win and have fun, and I will do my best to be sure that the players develop new skills. I also hope to provide them with positive life-long memories here at Wesleyan College.”
Medders replaces Shannon Fevella, who spent the previous two seasons coaching the Pioneers.
“We are excited to have Tonya join our team of excellent coaches,” states Wesleyan College Director of Athletics Patty Gibbs. “Her experience as a player will benefit our softball team. The team is excited about their new coach and knows that she will build on their solid foundation.”
Wesleyan College opens its 2010 campaign this Saturday, February 6 at Berry College. First pitch of the double-header is at 12:00pm.