Bonnie Tholl is the new head coach of Michigan softball, the program announced Wednesday afternoon.

The decision comes after legendary coach Carol Hutchins announced her retirement after a coaching career that spanned more than 3 decades in Ann arbor.

Tholl is an ideal choice to replace Hutchins as a former Wolverine standout who has spent 29 years as a key assistant for Hutchins, including the last 20 as associate head coach.

“I can think of no better person to lead our softball program than Bonnie Tholl,” said AD Warde Manuel. “Bonnie has recruited and helped to develop some of the biggest names in U-M softball history. I know that she will lead our student-athletes with the same culture of passion and positivity that we have grown accustomed to while continuing the trajectory of this program into the future.”

After receiving the news, Tholl reacted to the appointment by calling the opportunity “humbling” and “a privilege.”