Special to the Advertiser

The UL softball coach Michael Lotief announced two additions to the program’s staff on Saturday — one new and one very familiar to his program.

Joshua Johnson has been hired as the program’s second assistant coach and former UL star outfielder Katie Smith takes over as the director of operations.

The hirings are pending approval by the University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors.

Johnson previously completed a three-year stint as head coach at Faulkner State Community College in Bay Minette, Ala., where he led the Sun Chiefs to a 119-59 record and the school’s first state championship appearance.

He is also a member of the U.S. Men’s National Professional Fastpitch Softball Team, playing centerfield and pitcher.

"Josh is going to expand our recruiting footprint. He is going to recruit mainly in the Georgia, Alabama and Florida region, and occasionally venture out to the West coast," Lotief said. "Utilizing his fastpitch background, he will be able to handle all of the scouting reports and video breakdown.

"Coming from a Division II Junior College, Josh has a lot to learn making the jump to Division I softball. It will be a great experience for him and we are confident he will be able to get the job done."

While Johnson is the "newest" member of the Cajuns program, Smith has been around it for the past five seasons.

Smith, whose responsibilities are as the program’s director of operations and marketing, was a member of the Cajuns from 2008-12, and earned her bachelor’s degree in marketing last December. The Ruston native set the single-season record for batting average hitting .447 last season, earning her Louisville Slugger/NFCA All-American honors.

"Katie is a familiar face in our softball program," Lotief mentioned. "She earned her degree in marketing and will assist us with sponsorships, ticket sales and business administrative duties."