FULLERTON, Calif. – The Cal State Fullerton softball program has promoted assistant coach Jorge Araujo to associate head coach and former director of operations Caitlin Grimes to volunteer assistant coach, Titans head coach Kelly Ford announced on Thursday.
"I am honored to name Jorge Araujo the associate head coach of Cal State Fullerton," Ford said. "He has been with me since the beginning of my tenure as a Titan. I have the utmost respect for Coach Araujo. I would want my daughter to play for him. He is a character man that has an immense respect for the female athlete."
Araujo was named the associate head coach after serving as an assistant coach for the Cal State Fullerton softball team the past four seasons. He has also served as a recruiting coordinator for the program, while helping in other aspects such as offense, defense, pitching and catching duties.
In those four seasons, Araujo has been key to the Fullerton success as he has helped contribute to the strong finishes the past few years and a big spike in the Titans' offense that includes a .300 team average in 2014, which marks the first time since 2000 the squad reached such a feat.
"When Coach (Araujo) and I came on board in 2012, Cal State Fullerton was ranked No. 199 in the country and the most recent RPI poll has us at No. 25. Coach Araujo has been an integral part of the 174-point jump. I am excited to develop the next chapter with Coach Araujo and I thank him for his dedication to Titan Athletics," Ford said.
Grimes joins the coaching staff as a volunteer assistant coach and will manage hitters, while also working primarily with catchers. Before serving as the director of operations for the Fullerton softball program last season, Grimes played at North Texas where she started all 55 games her senior season and finished the year with 10 home runs, 32 RBI and a .317 average.
"(Grimes') playing and experience at North Texas and time at University of Louisiana Lafayette is invaluable. She served as our director of operations last year and did a fantastic job. Every player and coach is excited to get her coaching on the field. She brings new innovative ideas and her presence is both positive and powerful," Ford said.
With the addition of Grimes and the promotion of Araujo, Ford couldn't be more enthusiastic about the coaching staff she has put together for next season.
"I am very excited about our entire staff and working on the chemistry that will enhance our student-athletes experience at Cal State Fullerton. I feel like all the pieces have fallen into place.
"Coach (Tori) Tyson has set the bar with our pitching staff. The foundation of expectations she has laid in the bullpen is second to none.
"The four of us along with our support staff and incredible athletes will make the 2017 season one to remember," Ford said.
For more information and updates on the Fullerton softball program, follow @CSUFSoftball on Twitter.