Dec. 16, 2010
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Former Kentucky standout Molly Johnson has been hired as an assistant coach for the UK softball team, head coach Rachel Lawson announced Thursday.
“I want to take this opportunity to thank Coach Lawson and the University of Kentucky for giving me the opportunity to continue to be a part of the Wildcat family,” Johnson said. “I’m lucky to be able to follow my passion at a place I love. I look forward to learning under one of the best coaches in the country as I begin my coaching career.”
Johnson, a four-year starter for the Wildcats, will officially begin her coaching career at her alma mater. Perhaps the most prolific player in school history, Johnson capped her career as the all-time best in home runs (33) and batting average (.392) in school history. Her productivity extended to the field where she was a dynamic shortstop as the cornerstone of Lawson’s defense in starting in more than 100 career games.
“As someone who loves the sport of softball, I could not be more thrilled about the fact that a person who exhibits Molly’s qualities is choosing to continue her professional career in softball,” Lawson said. “While it will be difficult to match all of her accomplishments on the field, I believe Molly is choosing to do the next closest thing to playing by entering the coaching ranks.”
Johnson became the Wildcats’ first All-America selection after a sensational junior season where she had career-highs in nine offensive categories while breaking three single-season Kentucky records. She set UK seasonal records in runs scored (53), hits (81) and on-base percentage (.498) en route to her gaining All-America status.
“Specifically, Molly is intelligent, intuitive, and has a work ethic that is unmatched by most,” Lawson said. “In addition, the quality that will prove to make her most valuable is that she is loyal to UK Athletics and all of the individuals and ideals that make up our great University.”
After emerging as one of the best collegiate players, Johnson continued her career with the United States National team in the summers of 2009 and 2010. Johnson suited up with the USA Futures squad in the 2010 summer and compiled an impressive 3-3 record against the world’s top softball talent.
Kentucky’s former great made her presence felt for the Futures team as she started all six contests at the shortstop position. Johnson’s defensive prowess was on notice for the world as she racked up 14 putouts and nine assists at the tournament. At the plate, Johnson batted .200 for the weekend and accumulated four hits. She delivered on all of those hits, however, as she totaled four RBI.
While at UK, Johnson has spent countless hours working the Kentucky softball camps and clinics while also serving as an undergraduate volunteer assistant coach in the fall of 2009.
Complete coverage of the Wildcat softball team can be found at UKathletics.com.
