Karen Johns was hired as the new softball coach June 29 after five successful seasons coaching at the University of Florida. Johns led the Gators to a 192-131 record during her tenure while making four NCAA Regional appearances. Her history in softball traces back to the University of South Carolina where she graduated in 1989 as a two-time All-American catcher. Johns also got her coaching start as South Carolina as an assistant coach for the Gamecocks.