Former Shelton State Softball Coach Buddy Boyle Joins UWA Staff As Assistant

LIVINGSTON, AL — Former Shelton State Community College head softball coach Buddy Boyle has been announced as the latest addition to Stephanie DeFeo's coaching staff at the University of West Alabama.

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"I truly believe that something special is happening in Livingston and in the UWA Athletic program," Boyle said in a statement on Wednesday. "Everyone in the athletic department and the university has already been incredible and I thank them for this opportunity. I can't wait to see what this new chapter brings."

Boyle previously spent 14 seasons as head coach of the Shelton State softball program and served the last season as a volunteer coach on DeFeo's staff. Over more than two decades of coaching in the college ranks, he has compiled 540 career wins.

"He brings so much to our program with his softball knowledge and his ability to recruit great players," she said. " Buddy has a love and passion for softball that will just strengthen our team. I can't wait to see what we can do together to build this program to a championship level."

During his time at Shelton State, the Lady Bucs won the 2019 Alabama Community College Conference and NJCAA/Region XXII Tournament, before then finishing seventh in the nation at the NJCAA Tournament.

The Lady Bucs also advanced to the finals of the NJCAA Region XXII tournament in six of Boyle's last 10 seasons, also earning a berth in the NJCAA National Tournament.

UWA also pointed out that during Boyle's tenure at Shelton State, the Lady Bucs were nationally ranked for team grade point average by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association and NJCAA.

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