Katie Wagner was hired in July 2011 as an assistant coach for the SIUE softball program. Wagner joins the program at an important time in its history. SIUE softball begins year two of play in the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) in 2012 after earning a bid to the OVC Tournament in its first year of eligibility in 2011. She comes to SIUE after coaching and playing at two NCAA Division I rival programs. She coached last season at Saint Louis University and helped SIUC to two NCAA Tournament appearances as a player. Wagner will be the hitting coach for the Cougars. She also will take over a number of administrative duties including travel, recruiting, equipment, apparel, and community service. Wagner continues her coaching career on a performance track that led her to success on and off the field. A Saluki Scholar Athlete in each of her four seasons at SIUC, Wagner helped the Salukis to NCAA Tournament appearances in 2006 and 2007. A second team All-Conference pick as senior and a two-time Missouri Valley Conference All-Tournament selection, she ranks ninth in career home runs at SIUC. She ranked second on the team in batting average as a sophomore at .317 and as a junior at .308. She tied for the team lead with 16 multiple-hit games. Wagner, a native of Mount Vernon, was a prep standout. She was named All-South Seven first team pick and the 2004 Prep Athlete of the Year by the Centralia Morning Sentinel. She also earned All-State honors in cross country, track and field (high jump), and basketball. SIUC compiled a 139-66 record during Wagner's four seasons on the field as well as a 62-28 record in MVC play. She also helped the Southern Force ASA team in 2004 to a national championship. After completing her four seasons with the softball program, Wagner also competed in one season each for the Saluki women's basketball program and the track and field team. She earned a bachelor's degree in 2010 in elementary education from SIUC.