Karen Weakley has hired Texas Tech head coach Craig Snyder and former Penn State assistant coach Stephanie Sanders to fill vacancies on the Tennessee softball staff following the departures of Chris and Kate Malveaux.
The Malveauxes were hired as co-head coaches at Auburn University this week, leaving two positions open on Weakley's staff, and Snyder was brought in as a key addition to lead the offense after the Lady Vols fell short of their second consecutive Women's College World Championship this season.
“This position generated a lot of interest and we couldn't find anyone more qualified,” Weakley said in the school's release. “Craig is widely recognized as the best hitting coach and offensive talent in softball, and his track record of developing a versatile, dynamic offense speaks for itself. He's a teacher who loves to help players reach their potential, and players love working with him.”
“Building strong relationships is important in both recruiting and developing players, and Craig has been exceptional in that regard.”
Sanders spent the 2021-22 season as the Nittany Lions' recruiting coordinator, where she also coached the outfielders and catchers. She is engaged to Snyder.
Snyder went 60-43 in two seasons with the Red Raiders, including 13-29 in the Big 12. He spent the previous three years as the hitting coach at Texas A&M before spending the next eight years at Florida State. As a member of Florida State's staff, Snyder led the Seminoles to the 2018 national championship.
During his time at FSU, the Seminoles won 11 ACC regular season and tournament championships, appeared in seven NCAA Super Regionals and appeared in the WCWS three times.
Coach Snyder led Texas Tech to back-to-back winning seasons for the first time since 2018-2019 and had six players named to the All-Big 12 team this season. The Red Raiders recorded the most home runs (134), RBIs (562), doubles (181) and best slugging percentage (.537) in franchise history over the two years under Coach Snyder's tenure.
“I would like to thank Coach Weekley, athletic administrator Tara Brooks and athletics director Danny White for this amazing opportunity,” Snyder said in the school's release. “It's rare in our profession to be able to tick so many boxes for a family, and I'm excited to join this storied program and continue the excellence of softball in Tennessee. I also want to thank my Texas Tech family for their support over the past two seasons. My family and I have made lifelong friendships and memories in Lubbock that I will always cherish.”
Snyder's resume also includes time at Stephen F. Austin University, one season as a graduate assistant at the University of Oklahoma, Centenary University and Lindsey Wilson College.
Stephanie Sanders has been hired as catcher, outfielder and hitting assistant.
Sanders has not coached at the collegiate level since 2022 and most recently served as Knoxville Lubbock's softball training director.
Prior to her two seasons at Penn State, she led Miami University (Ohio) to its first MAC regular season championship in 2019. She was the outfield and hitting coach for the Redhawks.
Weakley said Sanders will primarily be the catcher, outfielder and hitting assistant.
“Stephanie will make an immediate impact on Lady Vol softball with her passion, energy and determination to win,” Weekly said in a school release. “Coaches who have worked with her have raved about her communication skills and connection with everyone in the program, as well as her tireless work ethic. I love her blue-collar approach to recruiting and player development, and I look forward to having our student-athletes coached by her. Stephanie will be primarily responsible for the catcher, outfield and hitting backup positions.”
Sanders also spent two seasons at Villanova University. She graduated from Michigan State University where she played on the softball team, appearing in 177 games, primarily as an outfielder. Sanders began her coaching career at Saginaw Valley State University, a Division II Michigan school, from 2015-16.
Cora Hall covers University of Tennessee women's track and field. Email her at cora.hall@knoxnews.com and follow her on Twitter. This springIf you enjoy Cora's articles, please consider a digital subscription to get full access.
