June 10, 2004
Iowa City – University of Iowa softball coach Gayle Blevins announced today that former Hawkeye standout Debbie Bilbao has been named assistant coach. Bilbao was head coach at Utah State for three years and assistant coach at Sacramento State in 2000 and 2001 prior to rejoining the Hawkeyes.
Bilbao played for Blevins from 1995-98 and was a three-time All-Big Ten and All-America selection. She helped guide the Hawkeyes to three straight College World Series appearances from 1995-97. Bilbao holds school records for RBI in a season (61), games pitched in a career (181) and career wins (99). She served as a student assistant coach at Iowa from 1998-99.
At Utah State, Bilbao guided the Aggies to a three year record of 30-125 and coached three players to all-conference recognition. She comes to Iowa with five years coaching experience at major Division-I softball programs.
“I’m very thrilled and excited about coming back to the University of Iowa,” Bilbao said. “I believe that once you’re a Hawkeye you are always a Hawkeye. There is a great family atmosphere here and I’m really looking forward to the opportunity.”
“We are thrilled to have Debbie back,” Blevins said. “It’s always nice to bring someone in who has the experience she does. She will bring in new ideas that she learned from other Division-I programs. Debbie is extremely dedicated and committed. She is very energetic and loves Iowa and the softball program here. I am confident that she will be a great addition to our program.”