Aug. 14, 2008

BIRMINGHAM, Ala.- UAB head softball coach Marla Townsend will be inducted into the Central Alabama Amateur Softball Association Hall of Fame (CAASA) Saturday evening. Townsend has been at the helm of UAB softball since the inaugural season in 2000.

"This is an honor that I dreamed about during my playing days and for this dream to become a reality it is surreal," said Townsend.

Over nine seasons she has compiled a 248-280 record, coached 31 All-Conference USA athletes and has been named C-USA's Coach of the Year in 2002 and 2006.

"I regard the Hall of Fame award very highly," said Townsend. "It is one of the highlights of my career. It is a honor to join the other 11 outstanding individuals and those who are already in the Hall of Fame."

Prior to coaching at UAB, Townsend coached at McAdory High School and Pelham High School. She was named Coach of the Year in both Jefferson County (1989, 1990) and Shelby County (1998). She was an ASA Women's Softball All-American in 1992 and was inducted to the Dixie Softball Hall of Fame in 2004 as a player.

To be eligible for induction, a candidate must have a minimum of ten years of participation and show accomplishments and activity level above the normal, such as longevity, success, and leadership in the development of the game

Joining Townsend in the Hall of Fame's class of 2009 will be Mel Bailey, Robert (Lefty) Garrison, Allen M. Baker Jr., Edward "Ed" L. Summerford, Dan Todd, Robert (Bob) F. Moore, Dale E. Puckett, Julie Swann, Jimmy E. Elsberry, James (Jimbo) W. Collins and Anthony (A. J.) J. Capri.

The Honor Banquet will be held at Samford University in the cafeteria on Saturday at 6:15 p.m.