Mohawk College has a new women's softball coach.

Todd Bannister, of Townsend, Ont., has a wide range of experience as a coach, provincial executive member and leader of high performance softball programmes. He's guided club teams to seven appearances in Softball Canada's national championships, winning four gold and two silver medals. In addition, he's helped lead teams to eight provincial championships, has had two former club team players who have represented Canada on Softball Canada's senior women's national team, eight athletes on the junior national squad and nine more on Team Ontario. He managed the provincial team for eight years, winning a silver medal at the 2009 Canada Summer Games and to a fourth place finish at the 2013 games.

Bannister has also been a volunteer on the Provincial Women's Softball Association executive for approximately 10 years and has held numerous positions with the PWSA, including vice president, chairperson of the Canada Games programme and chairperson of the talent identification programme.

The new Mountaineers head coach feels his experiences with Team Ontario softball provides him with the experience and knowledge to be a successful collegiate coach. "I have a solid understanding of softball technical skills and tactical techniques. With my past coaching experiences, combined with my professional knowledge as an educator, I know I am able to effectively instruct athletes to their fullest potential," said Bannister.

"Todd's background and experience will be a great fit for rebuilding our programme," Mohawk's director of student engagement and athletics Michelle Ball said. "I'm excited to see how he applies his knowledge and skills both on and off the field next season."

Source: Mohawk College