Northwestern University Athletics
Tammy Williams Leads Trio of Former 'Cats Returning to Staff in 2017
10/21/2016 11:35:00 AM | Softball
EVANSTON, Ill. -- Led by four-time All-American Tammy Williams, three former Wildcats are returning to Evanston to complete an expanded Northwestern staff for the 2017 season.
Williams will be NU's volunteer assistant coach, 2016 graduate Fran Strub is a student assistant coach and her classmate, Andrea Filler, will serve as graduate manager.
"We are so excited to have Tammy back in a larger role this year," Northwestern head coach Kate Drohan said. Last season, Williams contributed to the Wildcats' staff as director of player personnel.
Williams' storied career with the Wildcats spanned 2006-09 and included two Big Ten Championships, three NCAA Regional titles and two trips to the semifinals of the Women's College World Series. One of the best players in the history of the game, at the time of her graduation Williams was one of just six players in NCAA Division I history with more runs scored than games played.
Williams went on to a successful career with the Chicago Bandits of National Pro Fastpitch, winning the NPF Rookie of the Year award in 2009 and twice earning NPF Defensive Player of the Year honors. She retired in 2015 following the Bandits' third NPF Cowles Cup Championship season.
Filler and Strub each concluded their playing careers with the 'Cats following last season's exciting stretch run to an NCAA Tournament berth.
"Adding these two positions is big news for Northwestern softball," Drohan said. "We are thrilled to grow our staff with two women who will work hard for our success. Their familiarity with the program will provide exceptional support to the current team."
The growth of Northwestern's staff was made possible by a generous donation from Evans (WCAS '70) and Linda Schoeman, whose support and unwavering presence at softball events home and away has meant so much to the Northwestern Softball family.
"Evans and Linda have become part of the fabric of Northwestern Softball," Drohan said. "Their investment and incredible enthusiasm for the development of our young women is inspiring to every person involved in our program. Every player who has worn the uniform during my time at NU has experienced the support of the Schoeman family. They are the family that never graduates."
Strub is pursuing a certificate in accounting during her graduate assistantship with the program before planning to enroll in law school in 2017-18. A 2016 Big Ten Distinguished Scholar, Strub had an exceptional senior year on the field, muscling her way into right field and the everyday offensive lineup with her stellar play on defense and a hot bat during the Big Ten schedule.
"Fran has an outstanding understanding of our system and will play a key role in the execution of practice, development of our outfielders, baserunning and opponent scouting," Drohan said. "We are excited to provide Fran an opportunity to earn a graduate accounting certificate before she heads off to law school next year."
Filler returns to Evanston following her first season in the NPF, winning the 2016 Cowles Cup with the Chicago Bandits alongside Northwestern pitching coach Michelle Gascoigne. She will complete her master's degree in sports administration and earn a second master's degree from NU before looking to rejoin the Bandits in the summer of 2017.
"Filler's experience in our system and her current role as a utility infielder with the reigning NPF champion Chicago Bandits will be a huge asset to our staff," Drohan said. "We are excited to continue to have her knowledge of the game and the leadership she has shown throughout her career within our program."
A 2014 transfer into the Northwestern program, Filler concluded her career last year ranked third in NU history in doubles (40), fourth in slugging (.693), sixth in batting (.351), seventh in on-base percentage (.433) and RBIs (159), eighth in total bases (316) and ninth in home runs (34) despite playing just three years in Evanston.
Williams will be NU's volunteer assistant coach, 2016 graduate Fran Strub is a student assistant coach and her classmate, Andrea Filler, will serve as graduate manager.
"We are so excited to have Tammy back in a larger role this year," Northwestern head coach Kate Drohan said. Last season, Williams contributed to the Wildcats' staff as director of player personnel.
Williams' storied career with the Wildcats spanned 2006-09 and included two Big Ten Championships, three NCAA Regional titles and two trips to the semifinals of the Women's College World Series. One of the best players in the history of the game, at the time of her graduation Williams was one of just six players in NCAA Division I history with more runs scored than games played.
Williams went on to a successful career with the Chicago Bandits of National Pro Fastpitch, winning the NPF Rookie of the Year award in 2009 and twice earning NPF Defensive Player of the Year honors. She retired in 2015 following the Bandits' third NPF Cowles Cup Championship season.
Filler and Strub each concluded their playing careers with the 'Cats following last season's exciting stretch run to an NCAA Tournament berth.
"Adding these two positions is big news for Northwestern softball," Drohan said. "We are thrilled to grow our staff with two women who will work hard for our success. Their familiarity with the program will provide exceptional support to the current team."
The growth of Northwestern's staff was made possible by a generous donation from Evans (WCAS '70) and Linda Schoeman, whose support and unwavering presence at softball events home and away has meant so much to the Northwestern Softball family.
"Evans and Linda have become part of the fabric of Northwestern Softball," Drohan said. "Their investment and incredible enthusiasm for the development of our young women is inspiring to every person involved in our program. Every player who has worn the uniform during my time at NU has experienced the support of the Schoeman family. They are the family that never graduates."
Strub is pursuing a certificate in accounting during her graduate assistantship with the program before planning to enroll in law school in 2017-18. A 2016 Big Ten Distinguished Scholar, Strub had an exceptional senior year on the field, muscling her way into right field and the everyday offensive lineup with her stellar play on defense and a hot bat during the Big Ten schedule.
"Fran has an outstanding understanding of our system and will play a key role in the execution of practice, development of our outfielders, baserunning and opponent scouting," Drohan said. "We are excited to provide Fran an opportunity to earn a graduate accounting certificate before she heads off to law school next year."
Filler returns to Evanston following her first season in the NPF, winning the 2016 Cowles Cup with the Chicago Bandits alongside Northwestern pitching coach Michelle Gascoigne. She will complete her master's degree in sports administration and earn a second master's degree from NU before looking to rejoin the Bandits in the summer of 2017.
"Filler's experience in our system and her current role as a utility infielder with the reigning NPF champion Chicago Bandits will be a huge asset to our staff," Drohan said. "We are excited to continue to have her knowledge of the game and the leadership she has shown throughout her career within our program."
A 2014 transfer into the Northwestern program, Filler concluded her career last year ranked third in NU history in doubles (40), fourth in slugging (.693), sixth in batting (.351), seventh in on-base percentage (.433) and RBIs (159), eighth in total bases (316) and ninth in home runs (34) despite playing just three years in Evanston.
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