Emory University head softball coach Penny Siqueiros has announced the appointments of Louie Berndt and Amanda Marshall as assistant coaches.

Berndt brings over 30 years of experience as a player and coach to the Eagles' program. She served as the head coach at NCAA Division I member Monmouth University for six seasons (2010-15), compiling an overall record of 147-121.  Included in her stint with the Hawks were 30-18 (2010) and 31-16 (2013) campaigns.  

Prior to her appointment at Monmouth, Berndt enjoyed a successful 10-year run on the staff at Florida State University (1999-2009), serving as Associate Head Coach her final five years with the Seminoles.  While at FSU, she helped steer the program to four Atlantic Coast Conference titles and 10 bids to the NCAA Tournament, including a pair of College World Series appearances.  Four of her recruits were tabbed as ACC Freshman of the Year performers, and she also recruited and mentored the 2004 National Player of the Year, Jessica van der Linden.

Berndt's first head coaching post saw her direct the fortunes at Marshall University for six seasons (1994-1999). She helped develop a brand new program into a perennial contender, first in the Southern Conference, and then in the Mid-American Conference. In just her second season with the Thundering Herd, she led the team to a SOCON Championship, earning the 1995 Conference Coach of the Year Award.  The following year, she oversaw the program register a 38-24 won-lost mark.

Berndt also spent time as an assistant coach at Ohio State, Florida State and Nicholls State.  At Ohio State, where she spent five years, she was a member of the 1990 Big Ten Championship team. In her first stint at FSU, she served as pitching coach and helped lead her staff to the 1989 ACC title.

Berndt was a four-year member of the Western Michigan University softball program, earning All-America honors on two occasions at second base. She was a driving force in WMU securing three NCAA Tournament bids, including a pair of appearances in the World Series where he team finished fifth in 1982. She paced the Broncos in hitting three straight seasons and finished her career with a .321 batting average.  In addition, she was a three-time letter winner in basketball.  In 2003, she was inducted into the Western Michigan Hall of Fame.

A 1983 graduate of Western Michigan, she also earned a bachelor's degree from Nicholls State in 1986.

Marshall joins the Emory program after serving as the head coach of the Georgia Mustangs Softball Program from 2015 through 2017.

Marshall was recruited and played softball at NCAA Division I Nicholls State University as catcher and outfielder. She was also a member of the Great Britain National Softball Program and Roster Pool in 2011 through 2014, playing for the Great Britain National Team in the 2013 Junior Women's World Softball Championships, against other national teams including Team USA, Australia, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Russia, China and Taiwan.

Amanda graduated from Milton High School in 2012 and was a four-year varsity starter and letter winner as a catcher, corner and outfielder.  She played travel ball for the Georgia Fire 18 Gold in 2010 and for the Georgia Impact 18 Gold 2010 - 2012, qualifying and playing in the 2011 ASA 18 Gold Nationals in San Diego, CA. Amanda also played with the renowned Wilson Select 23U team in 2013 & 2014.

"Amanda possesses the drive, enthusiasm, passion, and knowledge our program appreciates in a coach," said Siqueiros.  "Several of her philosophies parallel Emory Softball's and we are incredibly excited to add her to our staff and we look forward to her contributions." 

Marshall has helped guest coach at a number of softball development camps in Georgia and Louisiana. Amanda also serves as the Varsity Community Coach at Milton High School in the GHSA Region 5-AAAAAAA, and is a National FastPitch Coaches Association ("NFCA") Two-Star Master Certified Coach.