UND Athletics names Sami Strinz as head softball coach Director of Athletics Tom Buning announced the hiring of Sami Strinz as head softball coach, making her the 13th head coach in the history of the program. Strinz will also oversee the Student Athlete Advisory Council and the life skills program. Strinz most recently served as head coach at Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell, S.D., for the past two seasons. After inheriting a program that had averaged five wins over the previous five seasons, Strinz engineered a two-year turnaround that saw the Tigers win a school-record 17 games in 2007 and place seven student-athletes on the All-Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC), including the schools first-ever all-conference first team selection. Strinz also guided Dakota Wesleyan to its first GPAC Tournament berth in school history. Prior to arriving at Dakota Wesleyan, Strinz spent the 2005 season as the hitting coach and recruiting coordinator at Division I Louisiana Tech, where she helped the Bulldogs set school records for home runs and doubles. Strinz' Division I playing and coaching experience, along with her recruiting ties to the central states and the west coast, will help UND quickly elevate softball to the next level, said Buning. In addition, there is no denying the intense energy and enthusiasm she brings to the responsibility of being our new head coach. Added Strinz: "I'm really excited for the opportunity to lead the Sioux in transition to Division I. This is a very exciting time for UND Athletics and I am grateful to be a part of it. I'm looking forward to making a positive impact on the team, University and community." Strinz earned her bachelor's degree in liberal studies with a minor in sociology from Division I Loyola Marymount in 2004. While at Loyola, Strinz was a four-year letterwinner and three-year all-conference performer as a pitcher and designated player, capturing Pacific Coast Conference Player of the Year accolades as a junior in 2003. As a senior, Strinz was an all-conference first team and all-region second team selection. She ranks second on LMU's all-time home runs list. A Keizer, Ore., native, Strinz was an assistant coach and player for the Ireland National softball team during the summer of 2002 while serving in the same capacities for the U-Best womens softball team out of Salem, Ore., from 2000 to 2003. Strinz is currently pursuing her master's degree in elementary education. The Fighting Sioux went 23-28 overall and 4-9 in the North Central Conference last season. -- Athletics.