News Releases

Mercier, Kasak Added To Loyola Softball Staff

8/29/2002

Chicago (August 29, 2002) - Loyola University Chicago rounded out its softball coaching staff with the addition of Samantha Mercier and Art Kasak as assistant coaches it was announced today. Mercier will also serve as an administrative assistant within the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics.

A standout infielder at Purdue, Mercier was a four-time All-Big Ten selection, and twice earned All-Midwest Region accolades. She will work primarily with the infielders and hitters. Prior to arriving at Loyola, Mercier was an assistant coach at Richards High School, where she helped guide the team to a conference championship and the best winning percentage in school history in 2002. Among six all-conference players she coached is current Rambler freshman Lindsey Lachiana. Mercier also spent two seasons as an assistant coach at her alma mater, Purdue.

"Sam has been successful everywhere she has gone and that type of winning attitude will help our program," head coach Jamie Gillies said. "She relates well to the student-athletes and is a great teacher of the game."

Kasak comes to Loyola following a successful career as the head coach at Morton High School where he compiled a 404-119 record and guided his teams to five regional and two sectional championships. Kasak was an assistant coach at Morton in 1986, when the squad went 38-0 en route to a state title.

"Art's enthusiasm and knowledge of the game will be a great addition to our staff," Gillies said.

Loyola is coming off of a season in which it won 24 games, the fourth-highest total in school history, and earned a share of its second consecutive Horizon League title.


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