49ers softball coaches resign

Charlotte 49ers assistant softball coaches Kristi (Killough) Painter and Katy Hackett have resigned to pursue other opportunities outside of college softball, head coach Aimee DeVos announced.

Painter, a former home run leader for Charlotte, has decided to pursue her master’s degree. She joined the 49ers coaching staff in 2008 and was the outfielders and offense coach for the past six years. She graduated in 2007 with a degree in middle grades education. At the time, she held school records for home runs in a season (11, 2006) and career (20). The two-time first team all-Atlantic 10 choice served as head coach at nearby Central Cabarrus High School before returning to the 49ers. As an assistant coach, she helped Serena Smith surpass the 49ers career RBI mark in 2010, and in 2012, she helped Briana Gwaltney become the school’s new all-time home run leader.

“Kristi has been a part of the softball program for over 10 years as a player and assistant coach,” said DeVos. “She left her mark on the program as both a player and coach. I wish Kristi nothing but the best in her pursuit of her master’s.”

Hackett, who was a pitcher for the 49ers, graduated in 2011 with a degree in communications. She has coached with the 49ers for the last two years as a pitching coach after playing professionally in Germany. A second-team all-Atlantic 10 choice as a senior, Hackett stands second all-time in career strikeouts (622) and third in career wins (62) for the 49ers.

“It was great to have Katy on staff after her college career here at Charlotte,” said DeVos. “I enjoyed watching her transition from player to coach and I wish her well.”

The 49ers went 20-29 this past season with a 10-13 mark in Conference USA. They earned a spot in the eight-team Conference USA Championship tournament where they fell to top-seeded and nationally ranked Tulsa, 1-0, in the opening round.

A search for their replacements will begin immediately.