McKewn Dannelly Position: Assistant Coach Birthdate: 08/07/1978 Alma Mater: Coastal Carolina, 2003

McKewn Dannelly is entering his first season as an assistant softball coach with Ole Miss after serving as an assistant at South Carolina-Upstate for one season. His primary responsibilities with the Rebels include assisting with the infield, outfield and offense, assisting with recruiting, developing camps and clinics and overseeing the managers, equipment and video operations.

"We are very excited about having McKewn join our staff," said head coach Missy Dickerson. "He comes to us with great experience and is a vibrant and energetic recruiter. He is willing to learn and is eager to be a part of building a great program. McKewn brings a wealth of knowledge as the son of a coach and growing up around softball. He's like a sponge soaking up the game and will be a great asset to our program."

Dannelly is coming off his first season as an assistant coach with South Carolina-Upstate, where his primary duties included hitting and infield, while assisting in other areas of the game. During the 2005 season, the Spartans of USC-Upstate finished 46-15 and advanced to the Regional Finals of the Division II NCAA Tournament, falling to the national runner-up Kennesaw State. USC-Upstate finished the season ranked 16th in the nation.

The Spartans competed in the Peach Belt Conference, considered by many to be the toughest conference in Division II softball. USC-Upstate finished the season leading the Peach Belt Conference in batting average and second in fielding percentage.

Prior to his season at USC-Upstate, Dannelly served six seasons assisting with the Coastal Carolina program while he worked on his bachelor's degree. From 1998-2003, the Lady Chanticleers tallied 191 wins and a 51-19 mark in the Big South Conference, claiming three Big South Tournament Titles. Coastal Carolina also advanced to the NCAA Tournament three times during that period.

As an assistant with Coastal Carolina, Dannelly coached the infielders and was a part of the Regional Coaching Staff of the Year in 2000. He also coached an infield that was 10th in the nation in double plays in 2001.

A 2003 graduate of Coastal Carolina with a bachelor's degree in physical education, Dannelly has directed or assisted with a number of softball camps and clinics across the Southeast.

Dannelly was a three-time letterwinner in baseball at Conway High School in Conway, S.C., where he graduated in 1997. He is the son of long-time Coastal Carolina head coach Jess Dannelly.