Grand Forks, N.D. - University of North Dakota head coach Eric Oakley has announced Amanda Montalto as an assistant coach for the 2013 season.

Montalto enters her first season at UND after a stellar four-year career at Ball State University as a catcher/designated player.

"I am thrilled to have Amanda join our staff," Oakley said. "I was able to watch her play from the other dugout for three years while I was at my previous school. As a pitching coach, it was tough to figure out how to pitch her. She had so many strengths as a hitter and could make adjustments. Someone like that will be extremely valuable in helping our hitters to build on their own strengths. It's going to be nice to have her next to me in the dugout instead of hitting against us."

At BSU, Montalto eaned all-MAC first-team honors her freshman, junior and senior years (second team as a sophomore) whil earning Nation Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) All-Great Lakes Regional Second Team honors.

Montalto was a six-time career MAC West Division Player of the Week at BSU and graduated with a major in general studies and minors in human development, coaching, counseling and physical education.