UM Alumna Coby Mackin to Lead
Rams Softball Program

University of Mobile alumna Coby Mackin will return to her alma mater as head coach of the Rams softball program, UM Vice President for Campus Affairs Mike Blaylock announced June 21, 2006.

“We are excited to have Coby back at the University of Mobile,” Blaylock said. “With her experience, record and knowledge of our school, she is exactly what we need to keep our softball program at the national championship level.”

Blaylock said Mackin will join the UM athletic program effective immediately. She takes over a softball program that won the NAIA National Championship title just a few weeks ago under the leadership of Coach Vincent Dima, who is moving to the post of assistant softball coach at the University of South Alabama.

“I am very excited about returning to the University of Mobile and continuing the winning tradition of our softball program.” Mackin said. “Like many others, my experience as a student-athlete at Mobile has played a key role in my development both personally and professionally. I'm excited to work for a university that supports student-athletes in their pursuit of excellence on and off the field. I have no doubt that with that support we will continue the success the program has enjoyed for many years.”

Mackin started the softball program at Spring Hill College in 1998 and led it for eight seasons, compiling a career record of 289-138-4 (.675). She resigned in 2005 to relocate to the Destin, Fla., area where her husband had accepted a job.

As head coach of the Lady Badgers, Mackin coached 10 NAIA All-Americans, 26 NAIA All-Region players and 48 All-Conference players. She led the Badgers to a third place finish in the NAIA championships and was named Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Coach of the Year. From 2002-2004 she served as director of athletics and recreation at Spring Hill College.

As a student-athlete at the University of Mobile, Mackin led the Rams to four national tournament appearances. She was named NAIA 1st Team All-American in 1996 and was a three-time NAIA All-America Scholar Athlete. She earned a bachelor’s degree from UM, majoring in communication and Spanish. After college, she played one season with the Durham Dragons in the Women’s Professional Softball League.