Loyola Tabs Healy for Head Softball Coaching Position

Aug. 9, 2004

Chicago - Yvette Healy, a former All-America player at DePaul, has been selected as the head softball coach at Loyola University Chicago, Director of Athletics John Planek announced today. The Orland Park native has spent the last two seasons as an assistant coach at her alma mater.

"Yvette has impressive credentials both as a coach and as a player," Planek said. "She has achieved tremendous success at both levels and will be a terrific role model for our student-athletes. Our softball program has grown by leaps and bounds over the past few years and we think Yvette can help us take the next step."

In two seasons as an assistant in Lincoln Park, Healy worked primarily with infielders and hitters, helping the Blue Demons to a pair of NCAA Regional appearances. Two seasons ago, she tutored her hitters to the third-highest batting average in the nation (.320). In 2004, Healy's work was influential as a pair of players earned All-America accolades.

"I am very excited about being named head coach at Loyola," Healy said. "As a Chicago native who has played in the area, I look forward to creating a winning tradition at Loyola by building a program that our alumni and the community can get excited about. Loyola not only has a great softball program, but it also is a prestigious academic institution."

A three-time Academic All-America honoree as a player, Healy ranks second on the DePaul single-season chart with a .424 batting average and is the school's all-time leader with 102 stolen bases. In her senior campaign in 1999, Healy led the Blue Demons to a school-record 54 victories and the College World Series as the team wrapped up the year ranked third in the nation. She earned All-Mideast Region honors on three occasions as well.

Loyola was the runner-up at the Horizon League Championship in 2004, capturing 30 victories for the second consecutive campaign.

Story Courtesy of Loyola Sports Information