SAN ANTONIO (June 25, 2010) - Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) announced the appointment of James M. Kling as the head coach for the University's softball team. His official start date is July 5. He will replace former Head Coach Marie Stone.

OLLU began competing in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) in softball in 2009-2010. The Saints were picked to finish fifth out of eight teams in pre-season polls conducted by the Red River Athletic Conference (RRAC). The team finished its regular season one game behind top-ranked Texas Wesleyan University with an overall record of 28-14 and a conference record of 22-6. The Saints participated in the RRAC Championship Tournament. They had an opening round bye and played Northwood University in the second round. In 10 innings, the Saints lost 4-5. The team faced Bacone College and beat them 7-3 to advance to the second day of competition. The Saints beat the University of the Southwest 4-2 and met Texas Wesleyan University. The Lady Rams beat the Saints 2-1 to advance to the championship game against Northwood, while the Saints ended their season.

Kling began his current position as assistant softball coach at St. Mary's University in 2005. He served in that capacity for three years as a volunteer and three years as a full-time assistant. The team, under the direction of Kling and Head Coach Donna Fields, has won a combined 242 games and advanced to the NCAA Division II South Central Region Tournament five times. During that period, 30 student-athletes have earned All-Heartland Conference honors, while 10 have been named All-American. Prior to 1999, St. Mary's University was a member of the NAIA.

Kling graduated from the University of the Incarnate Word with a Bachelor of Arts in business management.

"James comes to OLLU with a wealth of experience from St. Mary's University, a team that is well-known for its success both on the field and in the classroom," said Jack Hank, Vice President for Student Life/Athletic Director. "We look forward to him leading our team to another successful season."