Former Husky returns to lead embattled program

SEATTLE (AP) — Former Washington softball player Heather Tarr has been named the team's new head coach, distancing the program from a prescription drug scandal linked to a former team doctor.

The 29-year-old Tarr, a walk-on who played from 1994-97, replaces her mentor, Teresa Wilson, who was fired in December after allegations that Dr. William Scheyer improperly handed out powerful narcotics to players.

”This is going to be a new mission for me,” Tarr said Tuesday. ”I'm so excited to take on this challenge, personally and professionally.”

Scheyer remains under federal investigation in the case; Wilson is suing the school over her dismissal.

On the field, the Huskies showed little effect from the tumultuous year. Under interim co-coaches Scott Centala and Steve Dailey, Washington reached the College World Series for the seventh time since 1996.

The Huskies became a national power under Wilson, and Tarr hopes to continue the success.

”As far as wiping the slate clean, I don't really take that approach to what I'm going to do,” Tarr said. ”We have a great foundation here. I want to build on what is already here.”

Tarr said she had no direct involvement with Scheyer when she played because she never was injured, nor did she know of problems involving teammates. School officials expressed confidence Tarr has no links to the scandal.

”We found the person who we think is the best fit for the long-term well-being of Washington softball,” associate athletic director Ken Winstead said.

Tarr described having mixed emotions in accepting the job. She's been an assistant coach at Pacific for the past six seasons, highly regarded by other head coaches and eager to take over her own program.

On the other hand, she recalled being shocked when Wilson was fired. She consulted her former coach before accepting the Washington job, saying Wilson gave ”her blessing for going forward with the program she built.”

”I'm not rejoicing because people have lost their jobs,” Tarr said.

Scheyer's case remains a cloud over the program, but Tarr believes the investigation will run its course.

”It's out of my hands. What can I do?” she said. ”I was never involved with it. Some of these players were involved because they had to deal with the situation. I don't see there being too many issues.”

Catcher Kristen Rivera, the Pac-10 player of the year last season as a junior, said the Huskies are proud they reached the College World Series despite the off-field distractions.

”For us, as a team, the fires have been put out for a while — since we stepped onto the field in February,” Rivera said.

It's a dream job for Tarr, who grew up in suburban Redmond, Wash., playing Little League baseball until she was 15. Her family still lives in the Seattle area, as does her fiancDe's family.

With Tarr on the coaching staff at Pacific, the Tigers were 232-124 overall and 90-44 in the Big West Conference.

”She brought a wealth of experience to the table and was a big contributing factor to bringing this team to the national level,” Pacific coach Brian Kolze said.