LA Tech adds Shelby Hiers to softball coaching staff

RUSTON, La. – Louisiana Tech head coach Josh Taylor added a second piece to his Lady Techster softball coaching puzzle on Tuesday with the addition of Shelby Hiers.

Hiers, a former student-athlete at the University of Arkansas, comes to Ruston after spending the past two years at the University of Georgia as a volunteer assistant for the Bulldogs. She was part of the coaching staff that led Georgia to the 2021 Women’s College World Series.

Her responsibilities at LA Tech will include assisting with catchers, defensive game planning, hitting, video analysis, recruiting, and camps and clinics.

“Shelby will bring a rare combination of youth and experience to the LA Tech softball family,” said Taylor. “She has played and coached under some of the best coaches in the country and will bring a high level expectation to Ruston. Her work ethic stood out when going through the hiring process. I am excited about Shelby joining Louisiana Tech and can’t wait to get started working with her.”

Hiers worked with the Georgia catchers and assisted with hitting while serving as the first bsase coach and relaying signs to pitchers on gamedays.

Prior to her time in Athens, Hiers had a brief stint as the volunteer at Virginia where she worked primarily with the outfielders and assisted with the offense. She also served as camp director and assisted with film breakdown.

Hiers played four seasons (2014-17) at the University of Arkansas, making more than 150 starts behind the plate for the Razorbacks. Her best offensive season came in 2016 when she hit .283 with nine home runs, seven doubles and 22 RBI. As a senior, she threw out 15 runners attempting to steal.

“I would like to say thank you to Josh and Dr. Eric Wood,” said Hiers. “I am grateful for the opportunity to join the Louisiana Tech family. It is an exciting time for the sport and the opportunity Louisiana Tech has to offer its student athletes. I can’t wait to get to work and win some games.”

Hiers graduated from Arkansas with an undergraduate degree in Kinesiology in May 2017. She stayed in Fayetteville to complete her graduate degree in Recreation and Sports Management while also serving as a Graduate Assistant for the softball program. She earned her master’s degree in May 2019.

While serving as a graduate assistant for her alma mater, Hiers assisted with bullpen sessions, worked with the pitching staff, coordinated team managers, and assisted the director of operations among other duties. In 2018, the Razoarbacks made their first-ever appearance in an NCAA Super Regional.

The Quitman, Georgia, native appeared behind the plate for the Akron Racers of the National Pro Fastpitch league in the summer of 2017. The next summer, she played in the American Softball Association in Mobile, Alabama, earning a spot on the ASBA All-Star Team.