FDLTCC Announces New Softball Coach

NSO – NEWS RELEASE

ANDREW KORBY NAMED THUNDER SOFTBALL HEAD COACH

Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College announced today the hiring of Andrew Korby as Head Coach of the Thunder Women’s Softball program. Korby takes over the program immediately and will lead the fast pitch softball program into the 2015 season.

Korby is familiar with the Thunder Softball program as he previously was an Assistant Coach for the Thunder during the 2011 and 2012 seasons. He takes over head coach responsibilities of the Thunder Softball program as the team enters its eighth season of intercollegiate play, including the shortened seasons of 2013 and 2014 that were disrupted by lingering winter weather and a lack of players.

Korby, a life-long Cloquet resident and graduate of Cloquet Senior High School, is an experienced baseball and softball umpire and plays competitive softball. He is currently an assistant coach for the Cloquet Lumberjacks Girls Basketball team. Korby is a graduate of the Sports Management program at the University of Minnesota, where worked in Williams Arena, and completed an internship with the Minnesota Timberwolves. Korby is enthusiastic about his new opportunity with the Thunder.

“We’ll spend most of the first few weeks of practice reviewing and working on fundamentals, but then we’ll expand into more specific knowledge on game and position strategy,” said Korby. “I am really looking forward to the new season and rebuilding the Thunder Softball program at Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College.”

After experiencing two consecutive spring seasons plagued with snowstorms and unplayable field conditions, Korby inherits a Thunder Softball program that is definitely in a rebuilding phase.

“I know we are a little behind in our recruiting efforts for this upcoming season,” said Korby. “The late start will be a challenge but our goal is to develop a competitive team that has a lot of fun and displays a lot of energy playing together.” Korby’s office at the college will have an open door for conversation with any student interested in participating and to discuss interests and goals. The team can conduct a limited number of indoor practices in January and February, with indoor games scheduled for March and outdoor games in April, weather permitting.

“We’re looking for student athletes who may have played high school or other competitive softball, but that is not an absolute requirement,” said Korby. “Right now we are searching for student athletes who have a desire to play and compete. Anyone who fits that mold can contact me about the upcoming season.”

Korby plans to use some of his far-reaching softball and baseball contacts to conduct special clinics to demonstrate technique drills and share talents.

“I play with some tremendous athletes who are some of the best in the region when it comes to hitting, pitching and fielding,” said Korby. “Many have told me they would be willing to share their knowledge and talents with the Thunder, and I plan on taking them up on that.” Several of Korby’s relatives who have years of fast pitch softball experience have also offered to assist.

New Thunder Softball Head Coach Andrew Korby can be reached via e-mail to akorby@fdltcc.edu.

The Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College Thunder Athletics teams are a member of the Minnesota College Athletic Conference and the National Junior College Athletic Association.