• Kayla Braud returning to Tuscaloosa as assistant coach •

• 2023 Bama Sports 2023 •  Tuscaloosa, AL Alabama softball’s coaching staff finished its major overhaul with a star-studded addition. Crimson Tide great Kayla Braud will be returning to Tuscaloosa and join Patrick Murphy’s staff, Murphy confirmed on social media. Braud, an outfielder from Eugene, Ore., was the SEC Freshman of the Year in 2010. Braud then helped Alabama capture its lone national title in 2012 before spending nine years as an analyst for ESPN and SEC Network. Braud currently ranks top three in hits, batting average and runs scored in UA’s record books. Murphy said after the Tide was eliminated from the Women’s College World Series in June that there would be additions to his staff next spring partially due to new NCAA rules and increased financial support by the University. UA promoted Ryan Iamurri, a former teammate of Braud’s, to a full-time position as coordinator of player management after she volunteered for the past two years. Murphy also hired Adam Arbour as an assistant coach to work with hitters and catchers. Their presence along with Braud’s should help fill the gap left by Alyson Habetz, who retired last month after being Murphy’s associate head coach for 25 years. It’ll also be one of the many changes to “Team 28,” with legendary pitcher Montana Fouts since graduated and four new incoming transfers. D1Softball ranked Alabama’s transfer class fifth in the country. • ROLLING WITH THE TIDE •