Jessica Allister hired as Stanford softball head coach

The Cardinal announced Tuesday that they have hired Jessica Allister as head coach, replacing Rachel Hanson, who resigned last week after a woeful three-year run.

A second-team All-America catcher for the Cardinal in 2004, Allister played in the only two Women’s College World Series appearances in school history (2001 and 2004).

“I am thrilled to welcome Jessica back to Stanford to lead the program she helped build,” athletic director Bernard Muir said in a statement.

Jessica has established herself as an excellent coach and I believe she will push our student-athletes to be their best on the field, in the classroom and in the community.

Allister, who graduated with a degree in economics, was a three-time all-conference selection and played in the postseason in all four years as a player.

Having played with her at Stanford, and watching her lead the team to two Women's College World Series appearances, she understands how to win at the highest level.