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Kristine Botto enters her eighth year as an assistant coach, after an outstanding career at UMass Lowell.
A two-time All-American catcher, Botto will be inducted into the UMass Lowell Athletic Hall of Fame on May 12 at the University's Excellence Banquet. She remains prominent in the UML record books as she established several single-season and career records.
Botto remains the career leader in stolen bases (77), stolen base percentage (.895, 77/86), singles (205) as well as singles (66) and steals (33) in a season. Botto had also been the previous career leader in games played (185) and at bats (607) and is among career leaders in many other categories, including runs (126, 3rd), hits (208, 3rd), and batting (.343, 3rd).
In addition to earning All-America status, Botto was also a three-time National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) Northeast Region First Team standout and all-conference first team selection.
She was also involved in many community service efforts as a student and served on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee for two years.
Known as an exceptionally quick slapper and bunter, Botto joined the Connecticut Classics following graduation from UML, and led the team in hitting for three seasons.
Botto also played for the New England Riptide in the 2005 and 2006 seasons, helping it to the 2006 National Pro Fastpitch Championship over her former team, the Connecticut Brakettes.
In 2004, Botto led the Brakettes in hitting with a .396 average as they won their 26th ASA national championship.
Botto lives in Middletown, CT, with her husband Don Drust, a former UML football standout.
