WASHINGTON, Pa. -- Head Coach Marissa Rush recently announced the addition of Shauntaja Dedecker as Intern Assistant Coach for the Washington & Jefferson College softball program.

"I am thrilled to have Shauntaja on staff," Rush said. "She comes from a successful program where she, as an individual, was very successful as well. Her energy and passion for the game will contribute to our success in the years to come."

Dedecker joins W&J following a playing career at Winston-Salem State University, which is a member of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association in NCAA Division II.

She put together a strong junior season in 2019, as she was chosen as a First Team All-CIAA selection. She finished the year with a .340 batting average, 30 runs scored and 33 RBI. Her 10 home runs led the Rams during the campaign. The Rams captured the 2019 CIAA Tournament Championship and a berth in the 2019 NCAA Division II Atlantic Regional Tournament.

During a shortened 2020 season, she compiled a .350 batting average with 10 runs scored and nine RBI in just 16 games as a senior.

Off the field, she served as the President of Winston-Salem State's chapter of Fellowship of Christian Athletes. She participated in the NCAA Career in Sports Forum in May 2019 and the NFL Career in Football Forum in November 2019.

Dedecker earned a Bachelor's Degree in sports management from Winston-Salem State in May 2020. The Carbondale, Ill. native had concentrations in administration and marketing.