RADFORD, Va. -- After one season in the Radford dugout, assistant softball coach Loren Messick has been elevated to full-time status announced Tuesday by head coach Mickey Dean.

During her first season, Messick played an important role in Radford claiming its second straight Big South Championship and NCAA Tournament bid, which saw the Highlanders reach the Athens Regional final.

"After working this past year as a part time assistant we are grateful to be in the position to hire Loren fulltime," said Dean.

The former Roanoke College standout joined the Highlanders in the summer of 2009 and assisted in all facets of the program, including camps, recruiting and practice organization.

"Loren's organizational skills were very helpful. She brings a great deal of energy and enthusiasm to our staff," commented Dean.

Along with her role at Radford, Messick has served as an ASA (Amatuer Softball Association) Deputy JO Commissioner for the past year.