Grand Canyon hires Ann Pedersen as new head softball coach

Grand Canyon University's Director of Athletics, John Pierson, announced that the school has hired Ann Pedersen as the new head softball coach for the Antelopes who will begin competition in the spring of 2004. As the newest addition to GCU Athletics, the softball team will participate in the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) along with Canyon's nine other athletic teams at the NCAA Division II level.

"We are very excited about having Ann being able to come in and build a program from scratch," said Pierson upon Pedersen's hiring. "Ann's qualifications will enable her to quickly gain national prominence with the program."

A native of Tempe, Arizona, Pedersen was a former assistant coach and player for the Arizona State University softball team. She was the top assistant for ASU from 1994-2001 where she was responsible for recruiting, conditioning and fundamental training. Prior to her coaching days, Pedersen was a standout shortstop for the Sun Devils from 1988-91 where she earned numerous honors to include: second team All-America and first-team all-region distinction in 1990, and All-Pacific-10 Conference honors in 1990 and 1991. In addition to her collegiate career, Pedersen was a member of three Gold Medal National Teams, has participated in four Olympic Festivals and, is a four-time ASA All-American.

"I am really excited about the idea of starting a new program," said Pedersen when asked about her new position. "Arizona is a hot bed for softball and so it's going to be a challenge to decide on a team when there is so much great talent out there. I look forward to not only building on the success of the already established athletic programs, but being involved with the strong academic tradition at the university as well."

Grand Canyon University Athletics

Grand Canyon hires Ann Pedersen as new head softball coach

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