The Calvin University women's softball program has hired Lina Avila as an assistant coach.
 
Avila is a former Calvin softball player and 2014 graduate. Since graduating from Calvin, Avila has been teaching and coaching at Whitinsville Christian in Northbridge, Massachusetts.  At Whitinsville Christian, she spent three years as the high school assistant coach before taking the reins as the high school head coach the past five seasons. At Whitinsville Christian, she taught middle school math and science and finished her last two school years in the role of assistant principal.
 
Avila joins a coaching staff led by head coach Becky Hilgert, who enters her ninth season and has led the softball program to two MIAA Conference tournament championships, four NCAA DIII regional appearances, and three NCAA DIII regional finals. With the addition of Avila, Hilgert will also return assistant coaches Christie Vander Meer and Abi Colon.

"I am thrilled to have Lina join our very talented coaching staff," said Calvin head women's softball coach Becky Hilgert."  "I had an opportunity to coach Lina her senior year as an assistant coach at Calvin. I know how knowledgeable and passionate she is about the game of softball and she has a deep love for Calvin. The opportunity for her to move back to Michigan and join our staff was truly perfect timing as Amber Staniulis and Josie Wagner have moved on with other career opportunities. I expect Lina to be a huge asset to our team this season."
 
Avila played for the Calvin softball program from 2011-2014. During her time at Calvin, Avila started 135 games and was a three-time MIAA and All-Region honoree.  Avila, who was a dominant hitter and pitcher for the Knights, currently holds several Calvin softball career records, including home runs, RBIs and total bases.
 
A native of Lakewood, California, Avila graduated from Valley Christian in Cerritos. At Calvin she graduated with a degree in elementary education with a science minor. She currently works full time as an 8th grade Science, Bible and English teacher at Grand Rapids Christian Middle School.
 
"I am so excited to be joining the coaching staff this season," said Avila. "The work Coach Becky has done and continues to do with Calvin softball makes me so proud to come back as an alum. She has really put Calvin softball on the map and I am grateful to be a part of this team again."
 
Avila joins a Calvin softball program that finished 34-12 this spring, finished second in the MIAA regular season standings and reached the NCAA Regional Tournament final.