West Virginia State Athletic Department Makes Staff Changes

INSTITUTE, West Virginia -- West Virginia State University Athletic Director Nate Burton has announced the following changes in the Athletic Department staff.

Kerri Blackwell has been named Assistant Athletic Director/Senior Women's Administrator and Mattie Best has been named Interim Head Softball Coach for the 2017-2018 season.

Blackwell has served as the Yellow Jackets' Head Softball Coach for the last three years and the department's SWA for the past year.

"While evaluating our Athletic Department, we had a clear need to add another full-time administrator," said Burton. "I am excited that Kerri has chosen to help lead this department and I am confident she will be a great asset to our programs and to our student-athletes."

Blackwell's responsibilities include administrative oversight over WVSU's five women's programs, academic coordinator, serving as the department's deputy Title IX coordinator, and other internal operations duties.

"A goal of mine has always been to move to the administrative side of intercollegiate athletics." Blackwell said. "I am looking forward to working with our coaches and student-athletes. I am dedicated to the enrichment of our student-athletes and their overall experience at WVSU."

Best, who has served as an Assistant Softball Coach for the Yellow Jackets for the previous three years, has been promoted to interim Head Softball Coach for the 2017-2018 season.

"As a former Yellow Jacket student-athlete and most recently as the assistant coach, Mattie brings knowledge and passion to our women's softball program," Burton said. "I look forward to working with her and supporting her efforts to lead our program this year."

Best is a former first team All-Mountain East Conference and second team All-Atlantic Region selection as a third baseman for WVSU. She completed her playing career in 2014 with a .370 batting average and graduated with honors. The Hemet, California, native holds the program record for career doubles and ranks among the top four Yellow Jackets historically in numerous categories including batting average, hits, runs batted in, home runs, on base percentage, and slugging percentage.

"I would like to thank the administration for the opportunity of being named the interim softball coach," Best said. "With our returning players and group of newcomers, I am looking forward to the start of the season."

The changes are effective immediately.

WEST VIRGINIA STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION