September 4, 2001

Release: Upon Receipt

FURMAN NAMES LAYTON ASSISTANT SOFTBALL COACH

GREENVILLE, South Carolina -- Furman softball coach Bonnie Flynn announced on Tuesday the hiring of Erin Layton (UConn, '98) as assistant coach for the Lady Paladin softball program.

A former standout at the University of Connecticut, Layton was a catcher and outfielder on Husky teams that won three Big East regular season titles, two Big East Tournament championships, and made two NCAA Regional appearances. In addition, Layton was a first team Big East pick in 1997 and '98 and went on to earn first-team All New England status in '98. A native of Trenton, N.J., Layton was the recipient of the National Student Academic Special Recognition Award in 1997, and was named Player of the Decade by the Trenton Times in 1999.

"Erin comes to us from UConn which has a great softball tradition as well as tradition in all its sports for national championships and excellence," said Flynn. "She is an extremely dedicated worker and brings passion and enthusiasm for the game that will benefit our team in many ways. We are happy to have her on board and I am confident that she will assist us in building our program to be the best in the Southern Conference."

Layton, who earned a bachelor of science in family studies in 1998 and a Master of Education in 2000, will work primarily with Furman's catchers and outfielders, but will also be involved in recruiting and all aspects of the softball program.

Furman is coming off a 25-27 season in which the team placed second in the regular season Southern Conference battle and advanced to the championship game of the league tournament.

Furman will host its annual Fall Ball Tournament Oct. 13-14 at Pepsi Stadium and Berea High School.