Bonnie Flynn

Head Coach

(Yale '90)

Overall 156-235-1

Furman 115-187

Sixth-year head coach Bonnie Flynn enjoyed nothing short of a turnaround season in 2000, winning 37 games and advancing to the finals of the Southern Conference Championship, while making a serious run at the regular-season title and earning victories over two ACC teams and one Southeastern Conference foe. In addition, she was named Southern Conference Coach of the Year, saw Chrissy Hacker earn Pitcher of the Year accolades, and handed league rival Tennessee-Chattanooga its first ever four game sweep in league play.

A traditional, defensive-minded coach, Flynn believes in advancing baserunners with bunts and slaps, aggressive baserunning, and the hit and run. Her philosophy includes producing well-rounded individuals who understand their responsibilities as part of a team, as students, and as community members. On coaching, Flynn believes that, "Being at Furman is a great fit for me. I am afforded the chance to work day in and day out with a tremendous group of academic-minded young ladies. I truly enjoy working with such motivated and disclipined student-athletes. It is also a very supportive environment with all teams and athletes pulling for everyone to be successful."

Flynn continues to improve her coaching knowledge through participation in the greater softball community. In 1999, Flynn added international experience to her resume' when she was named pitching coach of the Dutch National Softball team. As assistant Dutch coach, Flynn was in charge the pitchers, the pitching game plan, and scouting reports. Her position followed a stint as an international clinician at the annual KNBSB clinic in Holland during December of 1998. The clinic was open to a federation of coaches from throughout Europe and, in addition to Flynn, the clinic staff included U.S. National Speed training consultant Stacy Einsberg and former major league baseball player F.P. Santangelo.

"It was a great honor and tremendous experience to be involved with the game of softball at its highest level," said Flynn of her role with the Dutch National team. "I know my time abroad helped me become a better coach and I was thrilled with the chance to coach against some of the best teams in the world."

Closer to home, Flynn and Higher Ground Ccamps director Bobby Simpson collaborated on one of his latest hitting videos, which was filmed at Furman in November, 1998. Flynn also plays an active role in the National Fastpitch Coaches Association and was a featured clinician at the 1997 NCAA YES clinic held in Oklahoma City, Okla., in conjunction with the Women's College World Series.

A 1990 graduate of Yale University, Flynn excelled as a pitcher and centerfielder for the Bulldogs. She was named MVP in 1988 and recieved the Barbara E. Chou Leadership Award in 1990. In addition, Flynn was named All-Ivy second team in 1988, All-Ivy Honorable Mention in 1989, and All-Ivy First Team in 1990, while simultaneously earning four varsity letters for basketball.

Upon graduation, Flynn became the first full-time assistant coach for the University of Connecticut and from 1991-1993 coached the catchers and outfielders, while also scouting opponents and overseeing the recruiting process. While coaching at UConn, Flynn and the Huskies won three Big East Conference Championships, qualified for the NCAA Tournament on three occasions, took part in the 1993 College World Series, and earned three top 25 rankings. In total, the University of Connecticut posted an impressive 122-42-1(.743) record during Flynn's tenure. Huskies head coach Karen Mullens says of Flynn, "To begin with, Bonnie is a wonderful person. She is a smart and motivated coach who knows how to recruit both academically and athletically talented individuals. She is definitely up to the challenge of continuing the great tradition that is Furman softball."

From Uconn, Flynn accepted a unique challenge, and in 1994 began from scratch the softball program at the University of Southern Colorado. In two years at USC, Flynn posted a 41-48-1 record, produced the Mile High Intercollegiate Conference Player of the Year, and posted a 26-20 record in league play.

Flynn has proven her dedication to the success of Furman softball. She has continually involved herself in activities and organizations that will better herself as a person, coach, and role model for aspiring athletes. With such commitments to team principles and a solid recruiting network, Flynn is moving Furman softball in a positive and successful direction.

Flynn's Career Record