Oct. 19, 2006

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Trena Peel, a former outfielder in National Pro Fastpitch (NPF), has been named the new Terrapin assistant women's softball coach, announced head coach Laura Watten. Peel joins second-year assistant coach Alissa Smith and replaces Meghan Cornett in the position after Cornett resigned to pursue outside opportunities.

"We are extremely excited to add Trena to our coaching staff," said Watten. "She has great energy and brings a wealth of experience to the program. Trena will be great factor in the success of the team as she will be working with all aspects of the game, specifically pitching."

Peel comes to College Park after a two-year stint in the NPF as an outfielder with the Chicago Bandits. Prior to her tenure with the Bandits, Peel played for the New York Juggernaut and the Akron Racers, earning NFP All-Star honors in 2004 and 2005. With the Juggernauts, Peel led the team in runs scored (23), triples (4), stolen bases (16) and was .286 at the plate.

Peel also was a member of the 1999 USA Junior Olympic Softball Team and played on the 2001 USA National Red Team. She was selected to the USA Elite Team in 2002 and 2003.

A native of Aurora, Colo., Peel was an assistant coach at George Washington University where she served as fielding, pitching and hitting coach.

She is a 2002 graduate and former letterwinner at Louisiana State. As an outfielder at LSU (1999-2002), Peel was named a NFCA Second-Team All-American and was a semifinalist for USA Collegiate Player of the Year. She was named SEC Athlete of the Year in 2002, ranked first in the nation in triples per game (0.21), posted a .361 batting average, 37 RBI and a .575 slugging percentage.

"Maryland is a great program to be a part of," said Peel. "The team has a lot of potential and I look forward to working hard with them to perform well in the ACC and on a national level. I'm expecting great things to happen"

Peel will also assist in recruiting duties.