Sept. 16, 2006

Jeanne Rayman has been named interim head softball coach at Butler University, announced new Butler director of athletics Barry Collier. Rayman, a former softball player and assistant coach at Butler, will fill the vacancy created when former head coach Angie Nicholson resigned last month.

Rayman, who has been working in private business for the past eight months, is returning to Butler, where she served as an assistant softball coach for three years. She was a volunteer assistant coach, 2002-04, and a full-time assistant coach, 2004-05.

"We're very excited that Jeanne has accepted the softball position," said Collier. ""We see her fire and passion for Butler and for Butler softball. As a former student-athlete and alum, Jeanne knows the Butler Way."

Rayman expressed her enthusiasm in accepting the coaching position with the Bulldogs.

"I'm excited about this opportunity and the chance to give back to Butler," said Rayman, who was a top player for the Bulldogs, 1987-90. "I'm familiar with many of the players on the team, and I'm anxious to see the new players. I think this team has a great deal of talent, and my expectations are very high."

"My biggest hope is that our players have a well-rounded experience - school, education, softball, activities and friendships. I want the players to enjoy their Butler experience even more than I did, and my experience was great," added the new coach.

Rayman (then Jeanne Stephens) was a four-year starter at third base for the Bulldogs under head coach Barb Greenburg. She was a four-year, all-conference performer and a two-time Butler Most Valuable Player. She was Butler's leading hitter in 1989 and 1990, and she held Butler single season records for doubles, home runs and runs batted when she completed her senior season. She also holds the unique distinction of having hit two grand slam home runs in the same game in 1990!

Rayman, who was a top softball player at Carmel (Ind.) High School, earned her degree in public and corporate communications from Butler in 1990. She and her husband, Jeff, reside in Carmel.

Collier hasn't set a timetable for a decision on a permanent head coach for the Bulldogs.