May 29, 2008

DAVIS, Calif. - UC Davis assistant softball coach Rachel Sherman is leaving the Aggies to become head coach of a brand new softball program at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. Sherman has spent the past four years with UC Davis and has played a critical role in the Aggies' transition to Division I.

"This is such an amazing opportunity for me. I get to tie two of my favorite things together; art and softball," said Sherman. "I am so excited to be given the opportunity to pioneer the first softball program at the Academy of Art University."

Sherman, a native of Santa Clara and a graduate of Santa Clara University, received a degree in studio art from SCU in 2004. She was a standout collegiate softball player at both West Valley College and Santa Clara. Prior to the 2005 season, she joined Karen Yoder's staff at UC Davis as the Aggies were entering the second year of a four-year transition to Division I. It was also Yoder's first season at the helm.

"Rachel has earned a wonderful opportunity and will surely be missed within the Aggie program," said Yoder. "I wish her all the best and strongly believe she will lead the Urban Knights to success. Rachel will always be a part of our history and transition into the Division I era, and we will be forever grateful for her hard work and dedication."

The 2008 season marked Sherman's fourth year on the staff as well as the program's first official Division I season and first as a member of the Big West Conference.

"Leaving UC Davis was not an easy decision. The Aggies have made huge strides, and Coach Yoder and Coach (Dana) Sorensen are going to continue to take it to the top of the Big West," added Sherman. "The Aggies will always be a part of my life, and I'm grateful to Coach Yoder and UC Davis for giving me my start."

In her new role with the Urban Knights, Sherman will build a Division II program from scratch. The Academy of Art University will begin play as an independent in 2009 before joining the Pacific West Conference in 2010.