INDIANA, Pa. – IUP Director of Athletics Steve Roach announced Thursday the hiring of Shawna Bellaud as the 10th head coach in the history of the school's softball program. Bellaud steps into the position after serving as the team's assistant coach the last four years.
 
"I am pleased to announce Coach Bellaud as the next head softball coach," Roach said. "Not only is she a great softball mind, but is also a loyal, dedicated and high integrity leader, who will do an outstanding job of developing our student-athletes, both on and off the field of competition."

"The IUP softball program has a rich tradition of success, and I am confident that Coach Bellaud will only enhance that as we move forward."
 
Since Bellaud came to Indiana for the 2015 season, the Crimson Hawks have posted a 91-79 (.535) overall record with four straight Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) tournament appearances.
 
"I would like to thank Dr. Michael Driscoll, Dr. Rhonda Luckey, Steve Roach and the entire search committee for giving me this opportunity to lead the softball program at IUP," Bellaud said. "I look forward to guiding the program and to bring a new energy to IUP softball.
 
"The support I have received from family, friends, coaches, and alumni has been more than I could have imagined. I am extremely excited and grateful to get started working with this group of student-athletes, and to lead the Crimson Hawks to new heights both academically and athletically."
 
Bellaud helped the Crimson Hawks post a 20-17 overall record in 2018, with a third place finish in the PSAC Central with an 11-9 division record. They posted a thrilling 7-6 comeback victory over Millersville in a conference tournament elimination game before their postseason run ended the following day.
 
Three players earned postseason awards, with sophomore Kaitlyn Beers and freshman Renee Wall each picking up All-Atlantic Region honors. Beers was the PSAC Central Athlete of the Year and Wall earned Freshman of the Year distinction, with senior Amanda Parrish also landing on division's first team.
 
During her time at IUP, Bellaud has coached 17 All-PSAC players, including 12 first team selections, and three all-region honorees.
 
Bellaud came to IUP after spending the 2014 season as the director of video operations at Division I Coastal Carolina University. During her year at Coastal, the Chanticleers had a 41-15 overall record and advanced to the conference tournament championship game. Bellaud helped coach Kiana Quolas, the Big South Conference Pitcher of the Year, five first team all-conference selections, and one all-freshman honoree. She also spent the 2012 season as a volunteer assistant at Coastal under former head coach Kelley Green.

Bellaud spent the 2013 season in her home state of New Hampshire as the head coach for the Saint Anselm Hawks, where she led them to a 22-21 record and the program's first postseason berth in five years. She coached the NE-10 Rookie of the Year and two all-conference players. 

Bellaud was also part of the 2009 NCAA Division II Coaching Staff of the Year at her alma mater, Lock Haven University. The Lady Eagles won the national championship and finished with a 51-6 overall record.
 
Bellaud received her bachelor's degree from Lock Haven in December 2009, seeing time in the infield and at pitcher for the 2007 and 2008 PSAC Champions. She started her collegiate playing career at New Hampshire Technical Institute, where she was a team captain, team MVP, and first team all-conference performer before transferring to LHU.
 
Bellaud is currently working towards a master's degree in Sport Science at IUP.  
 
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