DURHAM, N.C. – North Carolina Central University has elevated Cat Tarvin to interim head softball coach to replace former head coach Vashion Johnson, who resigned to pursue another professional opportunity.
“I want to thank Coach Vashion Johnson for his dedication and service to our student-athletes and the softball program,” said NCCU Director of Athletics Dr. Ingrid Wicker McCree. “We achieved many conference and program accomplishments during his tenure as head coach, which will be a part of his legacy.”
Johnson, who was hired as NCCU’s softball head coach in September 2016, led the Lady Eagles to consecutive 20-win campaigns, capturing 20 victories and a third-place finish at the MEAC Championship in 2018, and amassing a Division I era program record 23 wins with a 10-5 MEAC record in 2019. NCCU capped the 2019 regular season by upsetting nationally-ranked North Carolina (No. 24) in Chapel Hill.
“We are thrilled to appoint Coach Cat Tarvin to serve as interim head coach,” McCree said. “She is ready and poised to lead our young women and the softball program.”
A native of Lawrenceville, Georgia, Tarvin was named assistant coach in September 2017, helping with all facets of the NCCU softball program with an emphasis on pitching.
During her first three seasons at NCCU as an assistant coach, Tarvin mentored a pair of All-MEAC hurlers for the Eagles in Courtney Mirabella and Kiara Hurley, who tied the program record for wins in a single season in the Division I era at 18 wins apiece in 2018 and 2019, respectively.
Tarvin earned a master’s degree in physical education and recreation with a concentration in athletic administration from NCCU, graduating with honors in December 2019.
Prior to joining the NCCU softball staff, Tarvin coached at Emory University for one season.
She started her collegiate career playing two seasons at Kennesaw State University before transferring to Presbyterian College, where she Tarvin graduated with a bachelor’s degree in sociology in 2013.
As a senior for the Presbyterian Blue Hose, Tarvin was named team MVP and a Second Team Big South All-Conference honoree as a utility player. She batted .316 that season with 10 doubles, nine home runs, two doubles, 31 RBI, 34 runs and five stolen bases playing a combination of outfield, pitcher and designated hitter. Tarvin batted .293 with 14 stolen bases as a junior.
Tarvin had success at KSU as well, earning Atlantic Sun All-Freshman Team accolades before earning co-captain distinction as a sophomore. Tarvin batted .293 with 13 RBI as a rookie for the Owls.
A search will be conducted to hire a permanent head coach by July 1, 2021.
Courtesy: NCCU Athletics
