Patrick Murphy Clarifies Roles, Hitting Coach for New Alabama Softball Assistants
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — With some NCAA rule changes allowing a third paid assistant and the retirement of a longtime assistant coach, there were some shakeups on the Alabama softball coaching staff over the offseason under head coach Patrick Murphy.
Adam Arbour was named an assistant coach on Aug. 9. Alyson Habetz announced her retirement on Aug. 25 after 25 years with the program. This led to Murphy hiring former Alabama all-American and national champion Kayla Braud in mid-September.
On Wednesday, Murphy clarified the role for each assistant as Alabama prepares to open fall ball play this weekend with a doubleheader against Shelton State Sunday afternoon at Rhoads Stadium. Murphy said Arbour is the hitting coach and will work with the catchers.
"I think just to have one voice for the hitters is much better because it was my fault that it was muddled in the past," Murphy said. "We had too many chefs in the kitchen, and now I said I’m just going to be their biggest cheerleader. I’ll throw batting practice whenever they want, and just listen to him. He’s really really good at what he has does, so we’re happy he’s here.”
Sophomore infielder Kenleigh Cahalan said it definitely helps having a designated hitting coach.
"I really feel like Adam’s going to be a great contribution to the hitting staff for us because hearing one voice is very helpful for all our hitters," Cahalan said. "Just having that one voice in our head and not thinking about other things, just that one thing we want to focus on. And he’s very good at helping us with those things— like breaking everything down, individualized, always listening, hearing what we have to say about things. He really is an amazing hitting coach.”
Braud will be taking over the same roles as Habetz. She will be the first base coach alongside coaching the outfielders and helping the slappers.
Cahalan and transfer pitcher Kayla Beaver, who both grew up watching Alabama softball, said it has been awesome to now have Braud on the coaching staff. In her short time with the team, she has already taught them a lot.
Lance McMahon rounds out the staff, entering his second season as the pitching coach.
