NORTHAMPTON, Mass.--Smith College Director of Athletics and Recreation Lynn Oberbillig has announced that Kelly O'Connell, the former softball coach at Rivier College, will be the seventh softball coach in program history.

O'Connell coached at Rivier College from 2005-2010, compiling a 106-62 record and leading the Raiders to a pair of NCAA appearances.  The Great Northeast Atlantic Conference (GNAC) Coach of the Year in 2007, O'Connell's 2010 team won a school record 33 games and became the first ever sport at Rivier to receive a national ranking.  After a 6-16 first season, the Raiders won at least 25 games in three of the next four years, and made NCAA tournament appearances in 2008 and 2010.  Also during her tenure, her players earned three GNAC Pitcher of the Year awards, two GNAC Rookie of the Year selections, and one GNAC Player of the Year nod, as well as three ECAC All-Region Selections and one ECAC Rookie of the Year. 

"I would like to thank Lynn Oberbillig and the entire search committee for the opportunity to lead the Pioneers' softball program and join a very dynamic and committed athletic department.  I am truly excited to become a part of the Smith College community." said O'Connell, who will officially begin her duties on July 1.

"Kelly rose to the top of a very deep pool," said Oberbillig.  "Her accomplishments at Rivier and her ability to teach the game are outstanding, and we're thrilled to have her on board."

A 1995 graduate of Elms College with a degree in psychology and sociology, O'Connell also served as the head coach for Rivier's women's basketball program, winning 61 games against 41 losses in five seasons.  Before taking over at Rivier, O'Connell was the head women's basketball and softball coach at Becker College for one season, and prior to that, was the assistant softball coach at her alma mater from 1998-2003.