Nicole Banner, 25, a native of Pittsburgh, Pa. and a 2006 graduate of Slippery Rock, is in her first year as the interim women's Softball coach at Clarion University.
"We are impressed with Nicole's knowledge of softball, her drive to succeed and her enthusiasm toward the game," Clarion A.D. Dave Katis said. "Nicole has a strong softball playing background, and is strong in the fundamentals of the game. Her enthusiasm and drive are just what the program needed. The softball program is in good hands with Nicole Banner as head coach".
Banner, a native of Pittsburgh and a 2002 graduate of North Hills High School, attended Slippery Rock University and had a very strong career playing multiple positions. A three-year starter and two-year captain (2005, 2006), she was a first team PSAC-West selection as a sophomore in 2004. She played and started 36 games, was third in on the team with a .308 batting average (32 for 104), led the team with 10 doubles, plus had 2 hr's and 16 rbi. The team was 15-27 overall.
In 2005 Banner helped the Rock to a 24-19 record while hitting .287 (29 for 101) with 16 rbi's and 18 runs scored. As a senior in 2006 she helped the team to a 20-24 record, had 12 rbi's and 4 hr's (15 for 82; .183).
Earning a B.S. Degree in Public Health in 2006, Nicole also minored in Sports Medicine and German. She was an assistant coach for the Rock softball team in 2007 and 2008, and most recently worked as an Outreach Program Coordinator while implementing sports programs for children with asthma for the West Penn Allegheny Health System from May 2008 - present.
"I am really excited to be the softball coach here at Clarion," said Banner. "My goal is to re-establish a winning attitude in softball here, and will work hard to do that with an approach that includes aggressive and disciplined softball. Our teams will feature strong fundamental play, and that's what we'll work on first. We are a young team, but I am excited about the way the players are approaching practice and their willingness to learn new things. With good chemistry and a dedication to the game, I believe this team can have a bright future."
Banner is the daughter of Tim and Cindy Banner. Tim Banner is the current Woodland Hills High Baseball coach. He has been a very highly successful baseball coach at North Allegheny and North Catholic High Schools in his career.
