WEST HARTFORD, Conn. – Head coach Angie Churchill has announced the addition of Don Justus to the Hartford softball team's coaching staff. Joining the staff as an assistant coach, Justus brings over 10 years of collegiate coaching experience to Hartford after a successful stint as an assistant at Kutztown University. 
 
"I am extremely excited to welcome Don and his wife, Jodie, to the Hartford Hawks family," said Churchill. "He brings a wealth of knowledge to our program and I think he is going to excel here.  He has succeeded at a high level and knows how to develop young talent.  I have known Don for a long time and I know what he stands for and believes in.  He is going to elevate our program and help bring us to a championship level."

Working alongside Judy Lawes, the 16th-winningest coach in NCAA Division II history, Justus helped the Golden Bears qualify for six NCAA tournaments, win the 2013 Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) title and finish as national runners-up in 2013.

Justus focused on the development of pitchers and outfielders, recruiting, coordinating camps and clinics, developing fundraising strategies, and assisted with team scheduling and traveling arrangements. He also served as the team's academic coordinator and advised the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) for the athletic department.

Kutztown collected 339 victories during Justus' time on staff, including a school record 52 wins (52-7) in 2012, 40-win seasons in 2010 and 2011, and eight winning seasons overall. The Maroon and Gold advanced out of regional play to the NCAA Division II Championship in 2012 and 2013.

Justus came to Kutztown from Iona College, where he served as assistant softball coach from 2007-09. At Iona, Justus oversaw a pitching staff that featured 2009 MAAC Rookie of the Year Sarah Jackson, who compiled a 1.62 earned run average. He previously served as assistant coach at Kutztown during the 2004-05 academic year.

Justus is a member of the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) as a Three Star Master Coach, Connecticut High School Coaches Association, and the PONY Softball National Tournament Staff.

Justus earned a bachelor's degree in business sports management at Columbia Southern University. He and wife, Jodie, reside in Branford, Connecticut.