THIBODAUX - Nicholls State University Athletics Director Rob Bernardi announced on Wednesday the hiring of Angel Santiago as the new head softball coach, pending approval by the University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors. 

“Coach Santiago is known as a tireless recruiter and an exceptional teacher of the game,” Bernardi said. “I know he will have a positive impact on our women's softball program, both now and in the years to come.”

With nearly 30 applicants vying for the position, Santiago's experience and reputation were the deciding factors in the search according to Bernardi. Santiago, a native of Chicago Heights, Ill., comes to Nicholls after coaching at Florida State University and the University of Nevada Las Vegas, where he assisted Lonni Alameda.

“I want to especially thank Athletics Director Rob Bernardi, President Dr. Stephen Hulbert and the Nicholls State University athletic staff for their belief in me to lead this Colonels softball program,” said Santiago. “I'm excited to accomplish new experiences in the classroom and on the field. This will be a great opportunity for the team and coaching staff together to show what the program is all about at Nicholls.”

Santiago, a former minor league baseball player, spent the last three seasons at Florida State as an assistant coach for the Seminole softball program. While at FSU, the Seminoles advanced to the NCAA Division I Softball Championships three times, including last season where they were crowned Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament Champions.

Known for being a specialist in hitting, Santiago guided FSU to a .297 batting average in 2010, its highest mark since 2003. In the same season, the Seminoles drew 212 walks, which were the most since the '04 campaign.

Before joining Florida State in 2009, Santiago helped Coach Alameda rebuild a struggling UNLV program during his five years in Las Vegas. In 2005, the Rebels recorded their third-highest win total (44) in the program's history and made their first NCAA Tournament appearance in nine years. Also in '05, the Rebels belted a then-program best 50 home runs.

Santiago, who has been active in hitting clinics and academies across the country, began his coaching career as the head baseball coach at Prairie State College in his hometown of Chicago Heights, Ill.  Prior to his two-year stint with Prairie State, he played four seasons of minor league baseball in the independent leagues where he led the league in batting average (.374) in 1994.

A graduate of Southern Illinois-Edwardsville, Santiago is a certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist with certificates from USA Weightlifting and USA Track & Field. 

STATEMENTS FROM NICHOLLS SOFTBALL HEAD COACH ANGEL SANTIAGO
On being hired...

"“I want to especially thank Athletic Directors Rob Bernardi, President Dr. Stephen Hulbert and the Nicholls State University athletic staff for their belief in me to lead this Colonels softball program. Much appreciation also should go out to the softball players at UNLV and Florida State University because it was so much fun to be able to coach such great people. Those experiences will always be remembered. I would also like to thank Coach Jenny Parsons for her support with this position and it meant a lot to me. Finally, I would also like to thank all of my family and friends that have always supported my career in softball and baseball.”

On his team goals...
“I'm excited to accomplish new experiences in the classroom and on the field. This will be a great opportunity for the team and coaching staff together to show what the program is all about at Nicholls. The coaching staff will simply teach solid technique and the players will be ready to execute at their best when called upon. I have great confidence that the quality recruits we plan to bring on campus will see all of the effort going into this team as well. A lot of thoughtful and dedicated days are going to be the key factors to create this talented teams future success. I cannot wait to see all the elements of a great team work together.”

On alumni appreciation...
"I would also love to meet past alumni of Nicholls Softball. I think it's awesome to hear the past traditions and stories of this program. There is a lot of very proud softball alums that I would like the current team to stay connected with. It just makes the family stronger."