Corning selected to take over from long-time coach
Waubonsee Community College has named Kristen (Brestan) Corning as its new Head Softball Coach. Corning was the Chiefs’ Assistant Coach this past spring helping guide Waubonsee to a 37-20 record overall. She takes the reins of the program from Perry Clark who accepted the head coaching position at Mount Mary University in Milwaukee after 20 years with Waubonsee, the last nine seasons as the Chiefs’ head coach.
With Corning’s assistance earlier this year, Waubonsee captured the Region IV Championship for the first time ever to advance to the NJCAA Division II National Tournament in Mississippi. The Chiefs also completed an undefeated Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference (ISCC) campaign for the program’s unprecedented seventh straight league title.
Corning looks to continue the Chiefs’ success, helping student-athletes on and off the field. “Softball helped shape who I am. The competition, the work ethic, discipline led to my personal development. And I look forward to helping do the same for others,” said Corning.
Corning is a 2002 graduate of Addison Trail High School where she was a standout pitcher and infielder. She was named the Blazers’ Most Valuable Player twice, was a two-time All-Area performer, was chosen All-West Suburban Gold Conference all four years, and was an Honorable Mention All-State selection her senior year. That spring she also had a memorable performance against Downers Grove South High School when she struck out 37 Mustang batters in a 17-inning game, still the third most strikeouts ever recorded in an IHSA softball contest. Corning went on to play for the University of Wisconsin-Parkside, serving as the team captain in 2005 and 2006. In the circle she earned the Rangers’ Outstanding Pitcher Award and Freshman of the Year Award in 2003. A switch-hitter, she smacked 11 home runs in 2005 and was an All-Great Lakes Valley Conference selection as a senior. She went on to play in Aruba for USA International Softball during the summer of 2006.
Corning brings that vast experience as a player and a basic, keep things simple approach to the Chiefs’ dugout. “I believe in the basics, and not over complicating the game,” states Corning. Over the years the Elburn resident has worked numerous softball camps and clinics, while also giving countless pitching and hitting lessons. She holds a degrees from UW-Parkside, the National Academy of Sports Medicine and the Chamberlain College of Nursing. Away from the diamond she is a Certified Personal Trainer and a Registered Nurse.
“I have had the opportunity to witness not only her outstanding knowledge of the game, but her ability to communicate that experience to student-athletes. Most importantly, Kristen is committed to developing student-athletes on and off the field and I know that she we will be an outstanding leader and role model for those in the softball program and for the Waubonsee community,” said Waubonsee Athletics Manager Kevin Vest.
