GRAND FORKS, N.D.--University of North Dakota head softball coach Sami Strinz announced today the hiring of Randy Ward as an assistant coach.

Ward spent last season as an assistant coach at the University of Northern Iowa, where he worked specifically with the team's hitters and outfielders. Ward helped significantly improve the Panthers' offensive output in virtually every offensive category, including the second-most home runs in team history.

Prior to arriving at Northern Iowa, Ward was the head softball coach at Nora Springs Rock Falls High School in Nora Springs, Iowa. Before that, he spent three seasons as an assistant softball coach at North Iowa Arena Community College.

Ward is a 2005 graduate of Northern Iowa with a bachelor's degree in family services. He is currently working toward completion of his master's degree in physical education.

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