June 23, 2016
THE FLATS – Georgia Tech softball coach Shelly Hoerner announced Thursday the hiring of Rodney DeLong as the Yellow Jackets’ hitting and infielders coach. DeLong joins the Georgia Tech staff after three years and three 30-plus win seasons at the helm of the Cameron University softball program in Lawton, Okla.
“Rodney is a tremendous addition to our staff,” said Hoerner. “He has a proven track record with offensive success in his programs. His experience, passion and tireless work ethic as a collegiate head coach and athlete will help compliment what we are building here. The knowledge of the game he brings to Georgia Tech will be very valuable. Rodney is a family guy with high standards, which is a great fit for Georgia Tech softball.”
“I’d like to thank Coach Hoerner and director of athletics Mike Bobinski for giving me the opportunity to join the Georgia Tech staff,” Delong said. “My family and I are very excited about what Georgia Tech has to offer. Coach Hoerner has a great vision for this program and I am honored to help build it with her.”
DeLong coached the Aggies to their first two appearances in the Division II NCAA Tournament in program history. His 2015 team accomplished the highest winning percentage in school history (41-18; .695) and the most single season victories. In the 2015 post-season, DeLong’s Aggies had the most Lone Star Conference (LSC) honorees, with nine student-athletes being selected, two LSC Gold Glove Winners, eight All-South Central region selections, and two All-Americans.
Prior to Cameron, DeLong compiled an overall 211-64 record in six years of softball coaching at Cache and Lawton MacArthur high schools. At Cache, he led the Bulldogs to five district championships, four regional championships, and a state championship. DeLong also has experience as the head baseball coach at Cache, leading them to a 90-62 record, and their first state tournament appearance in school history.
Delong was a two-year starter at shortstop on the baseball team at Cameron University. In 79 games he tallied 75 hits and 54 RBI. Prior to that, he played shortstop for two years at Northern Oklahoma College and was named second team all-region with a .390 average, 10 home runs and 56 RBI.
Rodney graduated from Cameron University in 2006 with a degree in history. He received his Masters of Education in sports administration at East Central University in 2013. Rodney is married to Meghann, and the couple has two children, Ryker and Kaiya.
For the latest information on the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, follow us on Twitter (@GaTechSoftball), Instagram (@GaTechSoftball), Facebook (Georgia Tech Softball) or by visiting www.ramblinwreck.com.
