Mendy McKenzie is in her first season as an assistant coach on the College of Charleston softball team. McKenzie will focus primarily on the Cougars' pitching staff.

McKenzie was a standout pitcher at Western Carolina and North Carolina State who hopes to apply her knowledge of The Southern Conference and experience in the Athletic Coast Conference to CofC's program.

"I feel very blessed to have such an opportunity at a great school with an already successful softball program," McKenzie said. "I'm eager to work with the great staff already in place and further the success of our program."

"Mendy's personality is a perfect fit for CofC softball," said head coach Shelly Hoerner. "She has a passion for the game, a competitive drive and an ability to make our players understand why they are doing what they're doing."

McKenzie played two seasons at Western Carolina from 2006-07 and led the team to a SoCon Championship in the first year they were a program in the conference. As a freshman, she made 34 starts and 38 appearances in the circle and compiled a league-leading 22-7 record. She ranked third in the league in earned run average (2.28) as well as second in strikeouts (210). She was named First Team All-Conference as well WCU's Pitcher of the Year and Most Valuable Player by the Catamount coaching staff.

After another highly successful sophomore season, McKenzie transferred to NC State where she continued to accumulate numerous accolades and honors including team MVP in her senior campaign. McKenzie is optimistic that her playing experience will serve her well as she joins the CofC program.

"I hope to have a positive impact on the girls and serve as a role model on and off the field," said McKenzie. "I think I can aid our staff in leading the team to a winning season and ultimately a championship season."

McKenzie has also served as a pitching coach for players of all ages, a personal trainer at Lifetime Fitness and a mentor on a mission trip to East Asia in June of 2010. Additionally, she has participated and instructed in several softball camps and the Team Payne Internship where she strove to help athletes reach their full potential.

"I am extremely excited to have Mendy on our staff," said Hoerner. "Her goals, expectations, morals and values are exactly what Cougar softball is all about.