Softball | 7/13/2015 11:53:00 AM

SAN FRANCISCO – Lisa Allen has been named the new head softball coach for San Francisco State University, Director of Athletics Charles Guthrie announced on Monday. Allen comes to the Gators after spending the last seven years at NCAA Division II Montana State University Billings (MSUB).

"We are excited to add Lisa Allen to the Gator family as the head softball coach," Guthrie stated. "Lisa is the right person for the job at the right time, and she brings a wealth of head coaching, recruiting and high-level playing experience to the Gators softball program. I believe Coach Allen will help take our program to another level."

Allen guided the Yellowjackets to 31 victories last season, winning the 2015 Great Northwest Athletic Conference tournament championship and advanced to her second NCAA regional appearance in the past four seasons. Allen's 2015 team finished as the runner-up in the NCAA sub-region championship game. 

"I am very honored to be named the new coach of San Francisco State University," said Allen. "I'd like to thank the SF State Administration, Athletic Director Charles Guthrie, Senior Women's Administrator Apryl Guisasola and the softball search committee for this opportunity.  I look forward to working with the staff and athletes to make the softball program better within the competitive CCAA."

In 2012, Allen led the Yellowjackets to a 32-18 overall record that included winning the Great Northwest Athletic Conference title that earned MSUB its first berth to the NCAA tournament since 2009. Allen's 2012 team produced 10 all-conference selections, two all-academic nominations and two all-region honorees.

Prior to taking over the MSUB program, Allen was an assistant at Middle Tennessee State University and Linfield College (OR) where they won the NCAA Division III National Championship in 2006. 

As a student athlete, Coach Allen had an outstanding career at Oregon State. A catcher, she earned all-Pac-10 honors twice and participated in four straight NCAA regionals. The Beavers went 166-91 during her career and in 2006, qualified for the NCAA Division I College World Series. Allen finished her career ranked among the top-10 in at-bats, RBIs, hits, doubles and home runs.

After college, Allen played on championship teams in the National Professional Fast-Pitch (New England Riptide - 2006) and Austrian (Dornbirn Sharx - 2007) leagues. 

The Canby, Oregon, native earned her BS in Exercise and Sports Science from the Oregon State University. She has also earned a MS in Sport Management from Montana State University Billings. 

About San Francisco State Athletics
Gator Athletics has a proud tradition of competitive success within the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). The department offers 12 intercollegiate sports programs: Baseball, Men's and Women's Basketball, Men's and Women's Cross Country, Men's and Women's Soccer, Softball, Women's Track & Field, Women's Volleyball and Men's Wrestling.

Gator Athletics places great emphasis on academic performance as well as athletic achievement.  The program offers student athletes the opportunity to reach their educational goals, as well pursue meaningful athletic accomplishments. For more information, visit SF State Athletics' website, Twitter and Facebook pages.