NORFOLK, Va. – Head coach Heidi Cavallo and the Norfolk State softball program have announced that former players Jamie Schulle and Kathy Cortez have been hired to serve as assistant coaches.

The two former Spartans, who wrapped up their four-year careers in 2014, were officially hired in January.

“I am very excited to have two of our former standout players join the coaching staff this season,” said Cavallo. “Kathy and Jamie were a huge part of our rebuilding process and were instrumental in taking the program to the next level. I know both of them are very eager to learn and grow. They are very passionate about coaching softball and helping us reach our goal of a MEAC championship.”

Schulle was a four-year standout pitcher with the NSU program from 2011-14, earning All-MEAC accolades her last two seasons. Cortez also competed from 2011-14 at both catcher and outfielder, earning all-conference honors her first season at NSU.

A native of Maxwell, Texas, Schulle was a first-team All-MEAC selection in 2014 as a senior after garnering second-team honors in 2013. She was named to the MEAC All-Tournament team both years and finished her career with a 53-49 overall record and a 3.26 ERA. Schulle owns the program records for appearances (150), games started (117), innings pitched (672.0) and strikeouts (436).

Cortez was named second-team All-MEAC in 2011 at catcher, a position she played for two more seasons before switching to right field her senior year in 2014. She finished her career ranked in the top 5 at NSU in games played, starts and at bats as well as ninth in hits with 150. A native of Pomona, Calif., Cortez hit .284 during her four years at NSU with 77 runs, 20 doubles, two triples, one home run and 65 RBI.

Cortez will work with the Spartan hitters and catchers, while Schulle will work directly with the pitchers and outfielders.

Both coaches graduated in December from Norfolk State. Schulle earned a degree in health fitness instruction, while Cortez earned her bachelor’s in psychology.

“It will be a big asset to have two assistant coaches who already know the university, athletic department, softball program and me so well,” Cavallo said. “It is something that will definitely come in handy in all day-to-day operations.”

NSU softball begins its 2015 season against Yale and Wagner on Feb. 20 during the first day of the Spartan Classic at the NSU Softball Field.