Michigan Alum Canfield Elevated to Assistant Softball Coach
7/21/2023 11:19:00 AM | Softball
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- University of Michigan softball head coach Bonnie Tholl announced the promotion of Faith Canfield, a two-time All-America second baseman for Michigan who spent the last two seasons as the Wolverines' volunteer coach, to a full assistant coach on Friday (July 21). The promotion followed the NCAA Division I Council's coaching limit increase that went into effect on July 1.
"Faith's impact in our program was outstanding when she was an All-American infielder and as a volunteer assistant coach," said Tholl. "I am thrilled to have her elevated to full-time status and watch her develop as a professional. Faith has an abundance of knowledge and resourcefulness that makes for a future coaching star."
"I am extremely thankful for the opportunity to stay home," said Canfield. "The University of Michigan has meant so much to me and has done so much for me and my growth over the years. I have the privilege of continuing to work with and learn from the best coaching staff in the country and experience massive support from the operations team that is a cornerstone of Michigan Athletics. It remains my job to give our student-athletes the best experience possible and lead them to be successful in the classroom and on the field. The excitement I have for what we can accomplish as a program is unmatched, and I can't wait to further the legacy of this outstanding program. You don't go to Michigan for four years, you go to Michigan for life! Go Blue!"
Canfield spent the last two seasons as the Wolverines' volunteer coach, working particularly with the hitters and adding first-base coaching duties this past season. She returned to Ann Arbor after spending the previous two seasons as a graduate assistant coach at Northwestern, where she earned a master's degree in sport administration. The Wildcats posted a 41-29 record with Canfield on staff and qualified for the NCAA Tournament in 2021.
A four-year starter and two-year team captain at Michigan (2016-19), Canfield was twice selected as a NFCA third team All-American at second base (2017, '18) and was a three-time NFCA All-Great Lakes Region and All-Big Ten first team honoree. She also garnered a pair of Big Ten All-Defensive Team nods over her final two seasons.
Canfield batted .390 or better in each of her last three seasons at Michigan, including a career-best .404 average in 2019, and graduated with a .379 career batting average with a .579 slugging percentage and .436 on-base percentage. She totaled 253 hits, 178 runs and 131 RBI with 28 home runs. Canfield committed just seven total errors over her career at second base and posted a stellar .987 career fielding percentage.
Canfield is the second member of the Michigan coaching staff to earn a promotion this week. The Wolverines' pitching coach Jennifer Brundage, who spent 25 years as an assistant coach, was officially elevated to associate head coach on Monday (July 17).
