CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – Former Arkansas standout Shelby Hiers will join the Virginia softball coaching staff as a volunteer assistant, head coach Joanna Hardin announced Friday (July 12).
 
Hiers has spent the past two years as a graduate assistant with the Razorbacks. During her time on staff, Arkansas reached its first super regional in program history and produced 80 total wins. Hiers helped the Razorbacks in the bullpen, assisted in video breakdown and helped with day-to-day operations.
 
“I am thrilled to have Shelby on board with us,” Hardin said. “Having played for great coaches in the SEC, she brings great perspective and insight. She loves the game and is eager to learn. I am grateful she chose UVA as her next stop. She will be a fantastic asset to our program and has a great coaching career ahead of her.”
 
Hiers also played professionally for two seasons, spending 2017 with the Akron Racers in National Pro Fastpitch and 2018 with Mobile in the American Softball Association. While in Mobile, Hiers earned an ASBA All-Star selection.
 
During her collegiate career, Hiers was a four-year starter behind the plate for Arkansas. She ranks fourth all-time at Arkansas with a .399 on-base percentage. Hiers holds seven additional top 10 marks in Razorback history.
 
Hiers earned her bachelor’s degree in kinesiology from Arkansas in 2017. She went on to earn a master’s in recreation and sports management from her alma mater in 2019.