Coppin State director of athletics Derrick Ramsey has announced the hiring of Larry Hineline as the head coach of the Eagle softball program. Hineline has spent the previous two seasons as an assistant coach at Coppin State.

"Larry has proven in his two years as an assistant coach that he is fully capable of leading the softball program," said Ramsey. "The softball team made tremendous strides last season and we expect Larry to continue to move the program towards a conference championship."

Hineline came to Coppin State in 2009 and spent the last two seasons as an assistant coach.

"I'm honored to have been chosen to lead the Coppin State softball program," said Hineline. "Bob Ullman did an outstanding job last season and we will continue to build off of that success. Our goal is to win a conference championship and make Coppin State one of the top programs in the region."

Hineline inherits a team that posted a 22-22 overall record in 2010 and qualified for the MEAC Tournament for the first time since the 2005 season. The Eagles return conference pitcher of the year Paige Arnold and first-team selection Jade Dudley from last season.

"I believe we will contend for a conference championship this year," said Hineline. "We have added some outstanding players for this season and also for next year."

Hineline brings a wealth of experience to the position having been a fastpitch player for over 30 years.

Hineline ranks as one of the top pitchers in Maryland Amateur Softball Association history. He helped lead his team to Maryland ASA tournament titles in 1984, 1985 and 1988.

A three-time All-America selection, he was named to the team in 1998, 2001 and 2004.

As a third baseman he helped lead his team to three national tournament titles in the over 40 classification.

His teams have won many regional and national qualifier championships during his playing career.

His success has also extended to the coaching ranks where he directed teams that captured the International Softball Congress developmental under 19 tournament in both 2006 and 2007.

Hineline is a licensed certified public accountant and earned his degree in geography from UMBC in 1978.

Hineline replaces Ullman who resigned in July.