Tennessee State University

 

Elisabeth Beirne is entering her first season with the TSU Softball Team as the Pitching Coach. She joins the Tigers after a two-year period as a graduate assistant, pitching coach for Liberty University in Virginia.  At Liberty University, Beirne’s main responsibilities were as pitching coach and academic coordinator.  In her first year at Liberty, two pitchers recorded 16 wins, marking only the second time the university had two 15 game winners on the same staff.  In addition, during the 2006 season, the pitching staff set a school record with 351 strikeouts, surpassing the previous record of 291, and the team ERA improved from 3.08 in 2005 to 2.44. 

 

Prior to her Graduate Assistantship at Liberty University, Beirne served one year as a Graduate Assistant softball coach at Belhaven College in Mississippi. She also worked at numerous clinics and camps, and has given private pitching lessons.  She will receive her Master’s Degree in Human Services from Liberty University in March, 2008. 

 

Beirne is a 2004 Graduate of Olivet Nazarene University (Illinois), where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in History.  Beirne boasts an impressive playing career as a former NAIA standout pitcher.  She accumulated a 74-26 career record in the circle, including 32 shutouts.  During her junior season in 2003, Beirne helped lead Olivet to a third place finish at the NAIA national tournament and a team record 61 wins, posting a personal record of 29-7 with a 1.61 ERA.  For her efforts in 2003, Beirne was selected to the NAIA All tournament team and was named as an NCCAA 1^st team All American.  She followed that up with a 21 win season in 2004 and again led Olivet to an impressive 51-17 overall record and an All Conference selection.

 

"We are pleased to add Elisabeth Beirne as the pitching coach for the Tiger's softball program," stated Head Coach Joyce Maudie. "Liz brings with her an impressive background as a former college player and had great success as a graduate assistant during her time at Liberty.”  Beirne will work primarily with the Tiger Pitching staff.  She will also assist with scouting, team travel and administrative duties.