HAWKS ADD MERISSA DALEY TO STAFF AS ASSISTANT COACH
ETOBICOKE, ON: After being named interim head coach of the women's softball program back in early May, Duaine Bowles has been busy scouting, recruiting, learning, and teaching. As his first official act as head coach, Bowles is pleased to announce the hiring of Merissa Daley to his staff. Daley will serve as the team's new assistant coach, following a lucrative coaching career with the Whitby Eagles Softball Association.
"I am extremely excited to be given this opportunity," remarked Daley. "I was pleasantly surprised when Duaine asked me to coach with him here at Humber; I didn't even realize I was on his radar."
Daley brings with her a wealth of knowledge for the game of softball after playing and coaching at very high levels. As a level II NCCP certified coach, Daley was the head coach at York University and has coached at every level within the Whitby Softball Association.
"Merissa is exactly what we were looking for in a candidate and is a great addition to the Hawks family," said Coach Bowles. "She's an extremely positive presence that is heavy on development with an elite mindset. Our student-athletes will benefit from her experience and high levels of enthusiasm for the game. She will play an integral role as we continue to strive for excellence."
Before she became a coach, Daley began playing softball at the age of nine with the Whitby Eagles. After being called up for nationals by the Pickering Heat and Brampton Blazers, she was awarded a scholarship to play at California University of Pennsylvania, an NCAA DII school located outside of Pittsburgh, PA. As a freshman, Daley was named first-team all-region player after playing 46 games at shortstop.
"I joined the coaching staff here because I saw an opportunity for me to grow – not only as a coach, but as a person," replied Daley when asked why she joined Humber softball. "Humber has a great softball program and I am honoured to be a part of the growth and development of an already successful team."
For Coach Daley and the rest of the Humber softball team, the OCAA season officially begins September 10th on the road against the Fanshawe Falcons.
