NEW SOFTBALL COACH ASKS PLAYERS TO GIVE THEIR ALL

last winning season was 2011.

While she was thrilled to come to UNLV — a better conference, dynamic city and closer to her native San Diego — the timing wasn’t ideal in constructing a roster because 2017 prospects had long firmed their college plans. She wasn’t able to upgrade the roster of last year’s 25-27 team but promises that won’t be an excuse.

The expectation is to be competitive in every game and inning, regardless of the opponent.

“I know there are going to be days when (players) aren’t at their best,” Fox said. “All I ask is for 100 percent of what you have for me today.”

Fox is considered one of softball’s top young coaching talents. In 2012, she was one of the nation’s youngest head coaches when she was hired at Ut-arlington, where in five seasons she won 134 games, including an increase in wins in each of the past three seasons. She also helped with a $3 million renovation of facilities and plans similar upgrades for UNLV.

“I’m jealous the younger players get to have her as their coach all four years,” said Bueno, a junior who last season batted .325 and scored 24 runs.

Fox had a storied college career at the University of Arizona, helping the Wildcats win national championships in her final two seasons. She was a two-time All-american and established a Women’s College World Series record with 11 hits during her senior season.

The accolades give her creditability with a new team. But that’s not the lone reason. Players see their coach balancing life, and doing so with dignity and class, and realize they can have the best of both worlds too.

There are going to be days when Fox and Jarvis are overwhelmed in the balancing act. Just like there will be days when players commit an error or hit into a double play. But, together, Fox is confident the UNLV family — including sons “Little Andy” and Mikie — will accomplish great things.

“I’m a mom. I’m a coach,”

Fox said. “There’s no reason why I can’t do both things well.”