COLUMBIA, Mo. – Mizzou Softball Head Coach Larissa Anderson announced the promotion of Sara Marino to Associate Head Coach and Michaela Transue to Assistant Coach on Monday.
“Sara and Michaela have been a part of Mizzou Softball and my staff since we arrived on campus in 2018.” Coach Anderson said. “They are passionate about our mission and remain committed and dedicated to the players and this program. The past three seasons I’ve seen this program grow each year. To have every starting player return for next season speaks volumes that they believe in the consistency of our message, and that’s to OWN IT. That will never change.”
Marino has been a part of the Mizzou Softball staff as an assistant coach since the 2019 season after serving as an assistant under Anderson at Hofstra from 2017-18. Following her first season with the Tigers, she was named the Division I Easton/NFCA Assistant Coach of the Year in October 2019. Marino played for Anderson at Hofstra from 2008-11 and was named the Colonial Athletic Association Player of the Year in 2011.
Marino played a major role in the Tigers’ defensive improvement from year to year, including setting a program record and ranking in the top ten nationally in fielding percentage (.979) in 2021. She sets the on-field coverages for the Mizzou defense that has steadily improved since her arrival.
“Sara has been by my side as a head coach for the past five years, three years here at Mizzou and two previously at Hofstra and has played a very valuable role in our success, which was most evident this past season bring ranked in the Top 10 in the country defensively.” Anderson said. “Sara has earned and deserves the title Associate Head Coach as she is involved in every aspect of the program as well as the day-to-day operations.”
Transue has been a part of the Mizzou Softball program for the past three seasons. In 2019, she served as a graduate assistant before moving up to the title of volunteer assistant for the 2020 and 2021 seasons. During her time with the Tigers, she has worked with the outfielders while also assisting with hitting. Redshirt-junior outfielder Casidy Chaumont was named to the All-SEC Defensive Team under Transue’s tutelage during the 2021 season.
She was a four-year letterwinner at Hofstra under Coach Anderson, making three NCAA Tournament appearances and capturing two CAA titles.
“It is important to me to reward loyalty and to mentor strong people in this profession. Michaela has paid her dues in working up the ladder since she has entered this profession, starting off as a graduate assistant, most recently as our volunteer assistant the past two seasons.” Anderson said. “She has been molded for this opportunity. She has a tremendous knowledge and passion for the game, and with her educational background in sports science and biomechanics, she adds another layer to our staff.”
Mizzou will look to improve upon last year’s Super Regional team, while returning all starters. The Tigers earned a 42-17 record and a fourth-place finish in the SEC.
