SAN FRANCISCO – Academy of Art University softball and head coach have announced Emily Montanez as the program's second assistant coach beginning this fall.

"We are proud to officially add Coach Montanez to our staff," said Garnett. "Emily comes from a competitive Division II program and will have a positive impact on our team and staff. She will assist with planning, operations, lead our catchers, and assist with offense."

A familiar face to ART U softball, Montanez spent the 2015-16 season volunteering with the program. The year featured one of the most challenging schedules the program has seen as the Urban Knights won six of their first seven Pacific West Conference games and later broke the program's home runs record to upset the highest ranked team faced since 2011.

"I am very grateful for the opportunity I have been provided by Coach Garnett and Director of Athletics Ben Jay," said Montanez. "Coach Garnett is a strong leader with high expectations and she has done a tremendous job building this program. I look forward to contributing to the success of this team. Go Knights!"

Prior to Academy of Art, Montanez could be found serving as an assistant coach for Cal State East Bay softball for two seasons after playing for the program for four years. She also worked as an equipment room tech at the Cal State East Bay Field House.

As a first baseman/designated hitter, Montanez earned National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) All-America Scholar-Athlete Team and All-CCAA Academic Team honors. She ranks in the program's all-time top-10 with 155 hits (6th), nine home runs (T-10th), and 77 runs scored (10th). She appeared in 203 games and finished her career with a .983 fielding percentage. She was part of a 2012 squad the finished 31-24 and posted the best win-loss record in over a decade.

Montanez also has previous coaching experience including four years with the Salinas Force 12&U, 14&U, and 16&U fastpitch travel teams.

She earned her Masters of Arts in Coaching and Athletic Administration from Concordia University.