Sippel Named Head Coach of Canadian National Team

Nebraska Associate Head Softball Coach Lori Sippel was named head coach of the Canadian National Team, Softball <?xml:namespace prefix="st1" ns="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags"?>Canada announced on Monday.<?xml:namespace prefix="o" ns="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office"?>

 

Sippel, a native of Stratford, Ontario, is excited for the opportunity to lead her native country and for her first head coaching experience.

 

“I am very excited to have the opportunity to represent Canada and be a part of the Senior Women’s National Team," Sippel said. "I have had the privilege of standing on the podium once while representing Canada and I am driven to lead the team there again."

 

The position extends from the spring of this year until November 1, 2008, however Sippel will remain Associate Head Coach at Nebraska. The majority of Team Canada’s competitions will take place during the summer months.

 

In a statement released by Softball Canada, Softball Canada President Kevin Quinn expressed his enthusiasm for the hiring of Sippel.

 

“We are extremely pleased to have a coach of Lori’s ability joining our organization. Lori is an exceptional coach and an exceptional person with amazing motivational skills.”

 

Sippel was a four-time All-Big Eight and two-time second-team All-American selection during her playing career at Nebraska from 1985 to 1988. A four-time Big Eight champion, Sippel was also named the 1988 GTE Academic All-American of the Year, as well as being a Honda Broderick award nominee.

 

Sippel has had plenty of experiencing with the Canadian National Team. She was a member of the team for 16 years, including participating in the 1996 Summer Olympic Games, softball’s debut as an Olympic sport. After her playing days, Sippel has continued to be involved with Softball Canada, most recently serving as a color commentator for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation’s telecasts of the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens.

 

For her service to the Canadian National Team, Sippel’s No. 16 was retired by Softball Canada in 1999 and she was inducted into Softball Canada’s Hall of Fame in 2000.

 

Sippel will first lead the Canadian National Team at the Pacific Rim Summit in Seattle, Wash., from June 6-13. At the tournament, Sippel will join senior Sheena Lawrick as Huskers with connections to the Canadian National Team.