Riverside—UC Riverside Head Softball Coach Linda Garza announced today the promotion of Jodie Cox to associate head coach (view bio).

"Jodie 's commitment to UC Riverside Softball is demonstrated daily," explained Garza, "and her development with our pitching staff has been a major part of our program's success since we arrived in 2012, and particularly in 2015.

"She has been coaching for over a decade, has competed at the highest level and has proven to develop winners. Our pitching staff finished the 2015 season ranked 14th in the nation in ERA out of 295 schools. With the Big West Conference pitcher of the year returning in Chelsea Ponce, and the athletes we have targeted, the future looks bright.

Over the past three seasons, the Highlanders' ERA has dropped from 5.04 to 3.35 to 2.13. Last season, Cox coached Co-Big West Pitcher of the Year Chelsea Ponce to a 30-10 record with a 1.34 ERA and 188 strikeouts in 261 innings of work. Ponce also tossed the first no-hitter in the program's Division I history, and was named Conference Pitcher of the Week on five occasions.

"I am so excited about the future of this program and where we are going," said Cox. "Going into my fourth year here at UC Riverside, I couldn't ask to be in a better situation. Behind the leadership of Linda Garza and new athletic director Tamica Smith Jones, things just keep betting better.  

"I am very honored to receive this title change. My loyalty is to Coach Garza, this program and UC Riverside. I appreciate the support I have received, and can not see myself anywhere else. Our program is on the rise and after coming off our best season in Division 1 history, I only see it going up from here."

"Moving forward our goals will remain the same," added Garza. "Our vision has always been to compete for a Big West Conference title. Jodie has proven her knowledge, experience and systematic approach works. and I am honored to have her work along side me. She is well deserving of this promotion."