Valparaiso University softball head coach Kate Stake announced today that 2015 Crusader alum Tarah McShane will return to the program this fall, joining the program as a graduate assistant.

"I'm excited that Tarah has chosen to return to the Valparaiso softball program," said Stake. "It was clearly evident that she's the right person at the right time for this position. She's approachable, knows both our players and our coaches well, and is fiercely loyal and dedicated to the program's success and well-being. I believe very much that Tarah is an integral part of combining and facilitating our goals for this coming season, and she brings a great deal of value to the program as we continue chasing championships and growing our culture."

McShane returns to Valpo after spending a year at UIC as a volunteer assistant coach. She helped guide the Flames to the Horizon League regular season title in 2016, as UIC won 32 games and saw eight players earn All-League recognition.

McShane enjoyed a stellar career on the diamond for the Crusaders as a catcher, corner infielder and designated player. Valpo won 117 games over her four-year career (2012-2015), including a pair of Horizon League titles in 2012 and 2013. McShane appeared in 168 games, including 159 starts, over her four years as a Crusader and concluded her time at Valpo second in program history in fielding percentage (.989), seventh all-time in RBIs (94) and doubles (36), ninth in home runs (14) and tenth in putouts (536).