Aug. 6, 2009

By Tyler Koonce, Sports Information Assistant

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. - Southeast Missouri State University softball head coach Lana Richmond announced the hiring of Samantha Buckner as an assistant coach Thursday. Buckner is a former starting first baseman at the University of Arkansas.

"I am pleased to announce Samantha Buckner to our staff," Richmond said. "Sam brings in NCAA Division I playing experience and has Amateur Softball Associaton of America (ASA) summer coaching experience."

Buckner lettered all four years at Arkansas and served as a team captain during her senior season. She played in 222 games, making 210 starts at first base. She hit 14 home runs and had 63 RBI during her Razorback career.

Additionally, Buckner worked as an assistant coach for the Clearwater Bullets, a summer team based in Clearwater, Fla. Her responsibilities included organization of team, infield and hitting practices while assuming the head coaching position as needed.

The Mesquite, Texas native also worked numerous summer and winter clinics at Arkansas, leading group instruction which covered infield, catching, baserunning and multiple hitting situations.

"She will work with the infielders and assist in recruiting," Richmond said. "Samantha's goal is to be a head coach someday and her time at SEMO will give her a wide range of coaching experience."

Buckner received her bachelor's degree in Communication from Arkansas in 2008, where she was a member of the SEC and Arkansas Razorback Honor Roll. She is currently pursuing her master's in Communication at Arkansas.

She joins Richmond and fellow assistant coach Jeff Dabney to round out the Redhawks coaching staff for the 2010 season.