| Biographical details | |
|---|---|
| Born | (1976-02-19)February 19, 1976 (age 49) Simi Valley, California, U.S. |
| Playing career | |
| 1995–1998 | Michigan |
| Positions | Pitcher, third base, designated player |
| Coaching career (HC unless noted) | |
| 1999 | Arizona State (asst.) |
| 2000 | Utah (asst.) |
| 2009–2011 | Loyola Marymount (asst.) |
| Administrative career (AD unless noted) | |
| 2002–2008 | USC (Director of Compliance) |
| 2008–2013 | Loyola Marymount (Assoc. AD- Compliance) |
| Accomplishments and honors | |
| Championships | |
As player:
As an assistant coach:
| |
| Awards | |
| |
Sara Griffin (born February 19, 1976),[1] later known asSara Webster, is a softball coach and former softball player and athletic compliance officer. While playing for theUniversity of Michigan from 1995 to 1998, she was a three-time, first-team National Fastpitch Coaches Association All-American. She compiled a win–loss record of 106–19 at Michigan and concluded her collegiate career as the career leader in wins in theBig Ten Conference.
Griffin grew up inSimi Valley, California.[1] She played high school softball forSimi Valley High School. She was named CIF Player of the Year and California Player of the Year.[2][3][4]
Griffin committed to play softball at theUniversity of Michigan in October 1993.[5] She enrolled at Michigan in the fall of 1994. She was apitcher/utility player for theMichigan Wolverines softball team from 1995 to 1998. In four years with Michigan, she compiled a win–loss record of 106–19.[6]
On March 8, 1996, she retired all 21 batters she faced for aperfect game against anOklahoma team ranked No. 10 in the country.[7] As a senior in 1998, she led the Big Ten Conference in wins (17–0), ERA (1.09) and strikeouts (88). Her overall record in 1998 (including non-conference games) was 35–3.[6][8]
Griffin was selected as a first-team NFCA All-American in 1995, 1996, and 1998. In 1998, she became the first Michigan athlete to receive the Suzy Favor Big Ten Female Athlete of the Year Award. She was also selected as theBig Ten Conference Softball Player of the Year in 1995 and 1996. She was also named the University of Michigan's Female Athlete of the Year in 1996 and 1998.[6]
Griffin was the 15th player in NCAA Division I history to pass the 100-win mark. During her career at Michigan, she set both Michigan andBig Ten Conference records for most wins in a career.[6][9]
Griffin also excelled as a batter. She set Michigan records for career RBIs (184) and doubles (58) and still ranks among the top four in both categories. Her .384 careerbatting average remains the second highest in Michigan history.[6]
Griffin graduated from the University of Michigan in 1998 with a bachelor's degree in communications. In 2002, she also received a master's degree in education (sports management) from Ohio State University.
In 2011, Griffin was inducted into theUniversity of Michigan Athletic Hall of Honor. She was the fifth Michigan softball player named to the Hall of Honor, joiningPenny Neer,Vicki Morrow,Alicia Seegert, andJenny Allard.[6][10]
Griffin began a career as a softball coach. She has held coaching positions atArizona State (asst. coach 1999),Utah (asst. coach, 2000), andLoyola Marymount University (asst. coach and associate athletic director for compliance, 2008–2013). From 2002 to 2008, she was the Director of Compliance at theUniversity of Southern California. Griffin is a private instructor, working with kids in the Columbus, Ohio area.