Kathy Cortez was hired in January of 2015 to serve as an assistant coach for the Norfolk State softball program. She will work directly with the Spartan hitters and catchers.
Cortez wrapped up her four-year career at NSU in 2014 as a member of Norfolk State’s most accomplished senior class in Division I history. She was also a member of NSU’s most successful D-I team in 2013, when the Spartans advanced to the MEAC Championship game for just the second time ever.
The Spartans finished 31-22 that year, the best overall record in 16 years, as well as 98-98 overall and 45-21 in MEAC play during Cortez’ four years with the program. It marked NSU’s best four-year stretch in D-I history.
Cortez started her first three years at catcher, earning second-team All-MEAC honors her freshman year in 2011 when she caught every single inning of the season. She started in right field during her senior year in 2014 and ultimately finished with a.284 career batting average in 188 games.
A native of Pomona, Calif., Cortez finished her career fourth all-time at NSU in games played as well as fifth in starts (177) and at bats (528), sixth in sacrifices (20) and ninth in hits (150). She tallied 77 runs, 20 doubles, one triple, one home run and 65 RBI while striking out just 22 times in 528 career at bats.
Cortez graduated from Norfolk State in 2014 with a bachelor’s in psychology.
