Aug. 13, 2008
SAN DIEGO - San Diego State softball head coach Kathy Van Wyk announced Wednesday the hiring of three-time U.S. Olympian Stacey Nuveman as an assistant coach at SDSU. Nuveman brings a host of softball experience and accolades to The Mesa, and is currently going for her third gold medal as the starting catcher for the 2008 U.S. Olympic team.
In addition to her two Olympic gold medals (2000 and 2004), Nuveman has helped the United States National Team to a World Cup champion (2006), two World Championships (2002 and 2006) and two Pan American gold medals (1999 and 2003).
Nuveman will be the recruiting coordinator and will predominantly be working with the Aztec hitters.
"We could not be more excited to have Stacey on our coaching staff," Van Wyk said. "She brings a wealth of experience at every level of our game and will help us continue our rise up the rankings. Our players can't wait to get started, but for now they will have to settle for watching her hopefully bring home the gold."
"I am thrilled with the opportunity to work at San Diego State University," Nuveman said. "Coach Van Wyk and her staff have done an incredible job with the program and I look forward to helping to continue that trend. I feel privileged and honored to be an Aztec."
Nuveman has worked at a variety of camps and clinics, and is highlighted in the instructional video entitled, "The Fundamentals of Catching." In addition, Nuveman has worked color commentary for ESPN, CSTV (now CBS College Sports Television) and FOX Sports.
Nuveman was a standout at UCLA, finishing her four-year career with four NCAA records - 90 home runs, 299 RBI, .945 slugging percentage and 240 walks. She was a four-time first-team NFCA All-American (1997, 1999, 2001-02) and a three-time Pac-10 Player of the Year (1999, 2001-02). Nuveman is also ranked first in school history in games played (264), total bases (653) and on-base percentage (.600).
In 1999, Nuveman led the Bruins to a national championship, batting .446 during the season with 31 home runs and 91 RBI. For her efforts in the national title run, Nuveman was named to the all-Women's College World Series team.
In addition to her on-field accomplishments, Nuveman also works with several organizations, including the Visalia Miracle League, the Women's Sports Foundation, and the Make-a-Wish Foundation.
Nuveman, 30, is married to Mark Deniz, has a son, Chase, who turned one on June 6.