Sept. 7, 2011

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - University of Memphis head softball coach Natalie Poole announced Wednesday the hiring of Andy Lott as an assistant coach.

Lott joins Poole after serving the past four seasons on her coaching staffs at McNeese State and Georgia Southern.

"I think any coach that comes to a new program likes to walk in with the ability to work with people they worked with before," Poole said. "I think there's a level of comfort there. I think you can count on loyalty. We should be able to make some progress fast because he knows exactly what I want to do with this program and where I want it go."

A native of Chesapeake, Va., Lott will spend the majority of his time at Memphis working with the infield as well as helping the staff oversee hitting.

"I'm excited about coming to Memphis," Lott said. "It's definitely a new opportunity to grow as a coach and to move farther along in my career. We play in a strong conference (C-USA). It's going to lead to more opportunities to play at a difficult level.

"I'm also excited about working with Natalie. It's our fourth year together, third different school. We work very well together, so I'm excited about the potential we have."

Lott comes to Memphis with 11 years of coaching experience at the collegiate level. He spent the last three years on Pool's staff at McNeese State after joining her for one season at Georgia Southern. At McNeese State, Lott was responsible for coaching the infield and recruiting.

While with the Cowgirls, Lott helped the team earn three-straight 30-win seasons, including a school-record 38 wins in 2010 and a trip to the NCAA Regional Tournament.

"He's a very professional person," Poole said. "He enjoys coaching. This is a passion of his, and this is what he wants to do with his life. He takes it very seriously. For me, I've benefited from having him work with me in the time we've been together. I'm excited to have him here."

Prior to working with the Georgia Southern, Lott spent seven seasons as an assistant coach at Liberty University. While at Liberty, he was the top assistant and oversaw practice organization along with aiding the program's recruiting efforts.

During his stay in Lynchburg, Va., the Flames won the 2002 Big South Tournament title and advanced to the NCAA Tournament. The team tied a school record with 41 victories in 2006 and ranked 13th in the nation in 2007 with a school record 73 home runs.

Before joining the staff at Liberty, Lott was the head coach of the varsity softball program at Lynchburg Christian Academy and guided the Bulldogs to a 17-5 record during the 1999-00 season. During the fall semester, he served as the head coach of the girls' junior varsity basketball team and helped Lynchburg Christian to a 23-4 record and a second place finish in the Virginia Independent Conference.

He also served the Bulldogs' athletic department in two other avenues during his tenure: as assistant coach of the varsity baseball team, which won the VIC title in 1998, and assistant coach of the boys' varsity basketball staff.

Lott is a 1995 graduate of Liberty with a bachelor's degree in sports management. He received his MBA from Liberty in 2009. He is married to the former Julie McLane and has two daughters (Gracie and Sophie) and a son (Benjamin).