University of Detroit Mercy Athletics

Ali Hess returns to the University of Detroit Mercy softball coaching staff as a graduate assistant coach for her third season in the 2011-12 campaign.

Prior to Detroit, Hess spent time at the University of Toledo where she played under current Titans head coach Sunny Jones, Hess earned three varsity letters as a catcher/first baseman. In 132 career games she recorded a .275 batting average. In 2007 Hess set the school's single-season record for the most times hit by pitch (17) and reached third on the Rockets' single-season list with seven home runs. She also holds the career record for times hit by pitch with 34.

“Ali brings with her a lot of knowledge about the game in general, and she’s a good teacher,” said Jones. “She has experience behind the plate and she’ll be able to call games for us. Beyond that, I think her knowledge of the game at the collegiate level will be good for all of our players.”

A native of Omaha, NE, Hess majored in business with a marketing emphasis at Toledo and will work towards her MBA in addition to her coaching duties. She will work primarily with pitchers and catchers while assisting Jones in recruiting.