It did not take long for The University of Virginia's College at Wise softball program to find a suitable replacement for the most successful softball coach in UVa-Wise history. The Cavaliers have landed Karen Burnette, formerly the pitching coach at Chowan University, to step in and take over the program after coach Tori Raby- Gentry decided to step down following the softball season.

Burnette comes to UVa-Wise via NCAA Division II Chowan University where she served as the pitching coach for the past three seasons. A Virginia native, Burnette was a member of one of the most successful coaching staffs at the Division II level, with the Chowan softball team piling up 30-win seasons the past two campaigns while also capturing two CIAA divisional titles.

Burnette is no stranger to success, whether it is in the dugout or on the mound. The former pitcher began her career at Tabb High School in Yorktown, Virginia, where she caught the eye of the coaches at Shepherd College. After enrolling, Burnette became the most accomplished pitcher in Shepherd College softball history and is still the holder of several single-season and career school records. After completing her softball career, Burnette joined the coaching staff at Washington College in Maryland, serving as a graduate assistant. After her stint at Washington College, she joined the Chowan staff as a pitching coach before the 2009 season where she remained until accepting the UVa-Wise job.

On accepting the position, Burnette said: "First and foremost, I would like to thank Danny Sterling, Chancellor Prior, and UVa-Wise for the tremendous opportunity to lead the UVa-Wise softball program. I'm looking forward to getting to know the team, and working with them to continue to build and grow the Cavalier softball program.

In addition, I would like to say thank you to Chowan University's head coach Mandi Balduf for her guidance and support during the last two years."

Burnette inherits a very talented Cavalier roster going forward, which includes more than10 letter winners and two starting pitchers. Last year's Cavalier squad competed for a Mid-South regular season division title until the last weekend of the season and finished in the top half of the Mid-South standings. Burnette will look to build upon last years' successes and take the Cavalier program to new heights.