Bucs add former Nebraska standout and South Dakota State interim head coach to coaching staff

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (Aug. 29, 2014) - ETSU Softball Head Coach Brad Irwin has announced the addition of former Nebraska standout and South Dakota State interim head coach Alex Hupp as the team’s lead assistant.

A native of Olathe, Kan., Hupp brings a wealth of playing and coaching experience to the Bucs, having most recently served as interim head coach at South Dakota State University of the Summit League.

“We are very excited to add Alex Hupp to our program,” Irwin said. “Alex brings tremendous passion and excitement for the game. I know that our players will thrive under her enthusiasm and dynamic personality.”

During Hupp’s tenure as interim head coach at SDSU last season, the Jackrabbits saw one player receive the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) All-American Athlete Award.

Prior to being named interim head coach in August 2013, Hupp served as an assistant coach at SDSU for one season. Before joining the Jackrabbits, Hupp spent two seasons as an assistant at Emporia State University (Emporia, Kan.), helping lead ESU to an 84-27 record and back-to-back appearances in the NCAA Regional, including an appearance in the NCAA South Central Regional final in 2012.

As a player, Hupp enjoyed a standout career at Nebraska, where she saw time on the mound and in the field, amassing 58 total pitching appearances and 239 career at bats. In her first career start on the mound, Hupp threw a complete-game shutout versus Portland State, becoming the first Husker to throw a shutout in her first start since All-American Peaches James in 2001.

As a sophomore, Hupp emerged as Nebraska’s No. 2 starter, tossing 133 innings, including a no-hitter versus Northern Colorado in 2008 in which she tallied 12 strikeouts along with just one walk, and batted 2-for-3 from the plate with two RBI.

During her playing career at Nebraska, Hupp was twice named to the Academic All-Big 12 First Team. She also received Commissioners Honor Roll accolades all four years.

“Alex has a tremendous knowledge of the game,” Irwin said. “With her background as a pitcher and a position player, she will be a great asset. She is an outstanding teacher of the game. She played at a high level and brings invaluable coaching experience, as well.”

Hupp helped lead Olathe East High School to back-to-back Class 6A state championships in 2005 and 2006, earning First Team High School All-American Honors in 2006 along with being named the 2005-06 Gatorade Softball Player of the Year for the state of Kansas. During her prep career, Hupp compiled a 69-1 record on the mound.

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