RINDGE, N.H. (July 21, 2016) – Franklin Pierce University Director of Athletics Bruce Kirsh has announced Hannah Griffin has been named the 11th head coach in the Division II era (since 1989) of the University's softball program. Griffin has spent the previous three seasons as a head coach at the NAIA level with Union (Ky.) College.

"From the moment I stepped on campus, I knew there was something special about this University," said Griffin. "I am honored to become a part of the Ravens family. I couldn't be more excited to have the opportunity to bring a winning mentality to this program."

Rindge will be the first NCAA coaching stop for Griffin, though she did compete at the NCAA level as a student-athlete during her undergraduate days. Most recently, she oversaw all aspects of an NAIA program at Union College in Barbourville, Ky. In her time at Union, Griffin mentored one All-American, nine All-Conference selections, one CoSIDA Academic All-America honoree and 10 Appalachian Athletic Conference All-Academic Team selections. During the 2015 campaign, she guided the Bulldogs to their first top-four finish in the AAC since the 2008 season.

"I want to thank everyone on the search committee for giving me this opportunity and for believing in me," added Griffin. "I look forward to working with, and developing, these talented young ladies."

Griffin's hiring at Union marked a return to the collegiate level for the first time since her undergraduate days, during which she split her time as a student-athlete at two different institutions. A pitcher, she began her collegiate career at the Division I level, at Southern Mississippi, where she was a three-time Conference USA Freshman of the Week selection during the 2008 season. After her sophomore year, Griffin transferred to the Division II level and finished out her career over two years at West Alabama. The Tigers made NCAA Championship appearances in each of her two seasons with the program, including a South Region title and a trip to the Super Regional in her junior season in 2011.

"I am pleased and excited to welcome coach Griffin to the Franklin Pierce University Athletic Department and the Ravens family," said Kirsh. "A young, up-and-coming coach with a background as a Division II student-athlete, I believe she is the right fit to usher our program through the next stage of its development."

As an undergraduate, Griffin got her feet wet with regards to instruction and skill development, as she assisted with softball camps at both Southern Mississippi and West Alabama. She also spent time with Velocity Fastpitch, where she worked as a pitching coach for athletes in the 14-18 age range. Between graduation and her hiring at Union, Griffin spent two years as an assistant softball coach at Northridge High School in Tuscaloosa, Ala.

Originally from Mobile, Ala., Griffin is a 2012 graduate of West Alabama, where she earned her degree in physical education. While at Union this past spring, she added her master's degree in health and physical education. Griffin will officially join the staff at Franklin Pierce on Aug. 1, and will embark on her debut season with the crimson and grey next spring.

For more information on Franklin Pierce Athletics, please visit the official website of Franklin Pierce Athletics (http://athletics.franklinpierce.edu). Also be sure to follow the Ravens through the Department of Athletics' official Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/FranklinPierceRavens), its YouTube channel (http://www.youtube.com/franklinpiercesports) and its Twitter feed (http://twitter.com/FPUathletics). Fans wishing to purchase Franklin Pierce softball apparel can do so at the Department of Athletics' brand new online store (http://athletics.franklinpierce.edu/store).