MISHAWAKA, Ind. – Bethel University Athletics has named Gessica Garber as its next head softball coach. Garber returns to the Pilots, where she previously served as an assistant coach for one season, and most recently was an assistant coach at Notre Dame.

"It is with gratitude and excitement that we announce the hiring of Coach Gessica Garber to lead the Bethel University softball program," said Director of Athletics Jason Lewkowicz. "Coach Garber is a tremendous coach and leader, and an even better person. She understands our mission to be Christ centered, culture driven, and competitively excellent and I look forward to seeing the softball program thrive under her guidance. GO PILOTS!"

Garber's connection to Bethel dates back to 2008, when she spent a season as an assistant coach, working primarily with catchers and hitters while also serving as the team's head strength and conditioning coach. During that season, Bethel won the MCC Conference Championship and the NAIA Region VIII Championship and advanced to the NAIA Nationals, with the coaching staff earning NFCA Great Lakes Region Coaching Staff of the Year honors after posting a school-record 51-6 mark.

From Bethel, Garber went on to Southern Mississippi, where her duties included overseeing the outfielders and assisting with hitting and recruiting.

Garber, most recently served as an assistant coach at Notre Dame, her alma mater. A 2007 Notre Dame graduate, Garber played for the Irish from 2004-07. She batted .290 as a senior, finishing third on the team in RBIs (25) and second in on-base percentage (.383). Garber was part of two Big East regular-season championship teams and one Big East Tournament championship, and Notre Dame advanced to the NCAA Regional Tournament in all four of her seasons.

"I am beyond excited to start this next chapter with The Bethel University Softball team! I am expectant the Lord has great plans ahead and ready to grow with these girls," said Garber. "I am grateful for the opportunity given to me by Jason Lewkowicz and forever grateful for my Notre Dame softball family for preparing me for these next steps!"

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