SPRING ARBOR, Mich. – Spring Arbor University head softball coach Deb Thompson announced the addition of Hope Longenbarger to the program as an assistant coach. Longenbarger played for the Cougars for four seasons from 2017-20.

"We are excited to have Hope as an assistant coach in our Softball program," said Thompson. "She has a huge passion for her former teammates, our university and the game of softball. Her knowledge and understanding of the game will be a great addition to our coaching staff."

A mainstay for the Cougars during her career, Longenbarger was a four-year starter and played in 165 games and owned a .267 career batting average with 43 extra base hits, including seven home runs. As a junior, she ranked among the team leaders in average (.301), hits (43), doubles (14) and RBIs (22). The Monroe, Michigan native was off to a hot start in her senior campaign with six extra base hits, including a team-high two homers, and scoring eight runs through the first 21 games before the season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Longenbarger graduated from SAU with a Bachelor's of Social Work and a Master's of Social Work.