Legendary Coker Softball Coach David Hanna Retires

HARTSVILLE, S.C. – After 23 years as the Coker College head softball coach, David Hanna has announced his retirement effective June 30, 2014.

"We very much appreciate Coach Hanna's 23 years of service to Coker College. He has been a phenomenal person to work with each day, and we are excited for him as he enters a new phase in his life," said Coker Vice President for Athletics and Facilities Dr. Lynn Griffin. "He has built the Coker softball program, and we look forward to continuing his success in the future.  His teams always represented Coker competitively on the field and in the classroom."

Hanna, who began his coaching career with the Cobras in 1991, will leave Coker as the winningest coach in school history. He surpassed the 700-win milestone during the 2012 season and he finishes his career with an overall record of 760-310-1.

"I have been fortunate to be able to have a job at Coker College that I truly loved; however, after 23 years and 1,071 games, I am excited to announce my impending retirement" said Hanna. 

The second longest tenured coach in school history, Hanna's career with the Cobras spanned three conferences; Carolina Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, Conference Carolinas (formerly Carolinas-Virginia Athletic Conference) and South Atlantic Conference, and two different divisions; NAIA and NCAA Division II.

Under Hanna's leadership, Coker has won 14 conference titles, including winning four consecutive Conference Carolinas titles from 1996-99 and advanced to the postseason in 21 of his 23 years. They also advanced to the NCAA regionals 10 times and have played in two NCAA National Championship Tournaments (1995 & 1998).  

The Florence, S.C. native led the Cobras to post season competition in 21 of his 23 years. He was also named conference Coach of the Year six times during his tenure and he was named NAIA District 26 Coach-of-the-Year in 1993 and 1994. Additionally, he coached five All-Americans and 23 Academic All-Americans during his career.

Hanna was inducted into the Coker Athletics Hall of Fame in 2011, along with the entire 1998 softball team. The 1998 Coker softball team is considered one of the greatest Cobra teams of all-time. With a record of 54-3, the Cobras won the Carolinas-Virginia Athletic Conference (CVAC) with a perfect 18-0 record, were the NCAA South Atlantic Region Champions and finished fifth in the nation after advancing to the 1998 NCAA Division II Softball National Championship.

Individually, the  '98 Cobras had two All-Americans; Missy Paterson and Kelly Norris. Coach Hanna was named conference coach of the year, while Paterson was named conference player of the year and was a first team all-conference selection. Norris and Angela Williams were also first team selections, with Heather Sizemore, Amy Nestor and Santrese Jackson each receiving second team all-conference honors. Norris, Sizemore and Williams were CVAC All-Tournament Team selections as well and Paterson was named tournament MVP. Jackson, Norris, Paterson and Williams earned All-Tournament honors at the South Atlantic Regional and Karen White was named to the National Championship All-Tournament team.

"I have had the good luck to coach many outstanding student-athletes from South Carolina to California with memories that will last a lifetime" added Hanna.