Tammy Evans Returns To Drew Softball Team

MADISON, N.J. - Tammy Evans, Drew's all-time leader in coaching wins, has returned as the Head Coach of the Drew softball program after one season away from the university.  Evans, who spent the 2007 season coaching Division I FDU-Teaneck, was re-named the head coach following Paula Petrocelli's resignation to follow business interests.

"It was a perfect solution," said Drew Director of Athletics Connee Zotos, "Coach Evans has always been a respected member of our coaching staff and even in her time away from Drew she showed an intense commitment to her players and the program."

Evans became Drew's fourth head coach in 1999.  She led the Rangers to 153 wins in her eight seasons, twice as many as any other coach in Drew's softball history.  She twice guided Drew to the Freedom Conference playoffs, including 2002 when the Rangers reached the Championship game and set the school record with 30 wins earning Evans the conference's Coach of the Year.  Evans has also led the Rangers to two ECAC Tournament appearances.

A 1995 graduate of Michigan State University, Evans was a four-year starter at shortstop and centerfield. Upon graduation, she was listed on the school's top 10 list for at-bats, hits, batting average, and doubles. In 1995 the two-time captain earned the prestigious State of Michigan Female Athlete of the Year Award for her excellent achievements in athletics and academics.

Upon graduating from MSU, Evans was selected as one of 32 players to barnstorm the Midwest for the Women's Tour Team. The following summer she played for the Illinois Illusions (ASA Open Fastpitch) before signing a professional contract with the Virginia Roadsters in the inaugural season of the Women's Professional Fastpitch League. Simultaneously, Evans had made the switch from player to coach as an assistant for the College of New Jersey, where she helped guide the Lions to a number-one regional ranking and a 1997 Final Four appearance.

Evans remains an active player, playing outfield for the New York Raiders during the summer months. She was voted an ASA First Team All-American after guiding her 2003 squad to a fifth place finish in the ASA National Tournament. She is also a member of the Amateur Softball Association and the National Fastpitch Coaches Association.