Former Marshall standout Caitlyn Jackson enters her second season as UNCG’s pitching coach in 2011-12.

In her first season at UNCG, Jackson oversaw a pitching staff that shocked college softball in the Spartans’ first game of the season. Then-junior Cory Mattson threw UNCG’s first no-hitter in nearly six years, topping No. 23 Florida State 1-0 in nine innings at the Seminoles’ own tournament. The no-hitter was the first in program history to come against a ranked team or in extra innings.

Mattson would go on to beat North Carolina later in the season, picking up the Southern Conference’s only two wins over ACC programs on the season.

Mattson would go on to win a career-best 14 games on the season and pick up a career-high three saves. Raeanne Hanks would save the first two games of her career, as well, giving UNCG five for the year – the third-most in a season in school history.

Hanks was named the SoCon Pitcher of the Week on May 2, 2011, after going 3-0 with a save and a 0.00 ERA in four appearances on the week. She had a hand in all three wins as UNCG swept a SoCon series from Samford.

Mattson was UNCG’s workhorse all season, and she showed why with an impressive few days at the SoCon tournament. Mattson started all four of the Spartans’ games at the tournament, turning in a 1.20 ERA and picking up both of UNCG’s wins.

Jackson was four-year starter and a star utility player for the Thundering Herd from 2007-10, pitching all four years and starting at designated player and in the outfield. She started 212 of a possible 219 games during her career.

“I am very excited to bring in an all-around athlete, not just a former pitcher, of Caitlyn's caliber,” coach Jennifer Herzig said upon hiring Jackson. “Between her own personal experience and knowledge of the college game, and her outstanding work ethic and drive, I have no doubt that Caitlyn will make an immediate impact upon our current pitching staff. Additionally, as a very accomplished hitter herself, I am excited about Caitlyn's ability to assist with our hitters, as well. Adding one more coach to our staff that has the ability to coach on both sides of the ball will absolutely strengthen our team.”

Jackson finished fourth in Marshall history in career pitching appearances with 103 and fifth in batting average with a .320 mark. The Ontario, Calif., native was a National Fastpitch Coaches Association All-Mideast Region First Team selection at pitcher/utility in 2009 and landed on the second team in 2008. She was also a Conference USA All-Freshman pick in 2007.

As a senior in 2010, Jackson hit .322, the second-best mark on the squad, and led the team with 56 hits. In the circle, she posted a career-high 105 strikeouts, second-most on the squad.

She hit a career-high .337 as a sophomore in 2008, when she also posted a career-high 13 wins.

Jackson’s coach at Marshall was Shonda Stanton, a star for UNCG under her maiden name of Spagnola from 1992-95.

Jackson graduated from Marshall in 2010 with a degree in criminal justice.