AMANDA CHIDESTER

Former Michigan softball standout Amanda Chidester is returning to Ann Arbor. Bonnie Tholl, who was named head coach Aug. 24 following the retirement of the legendary Carol Hutchins, announced Tuesday the addition of Chidester as an assistant coach. Sharing her experiences as an Olympian, professional player and NCAA All-American will add great value to Michigan softball.”The 2023 season will be Michigan softball’s first without Hutchins, NCAA softball’s all-time wins leader, at the helm since 1984. RELATED: After 38 years, the Michigan softball torch (a Ouija board) is passed“I’m not here to fill the shoes of Carol Hutchins,” Tholl said at Hutchins’ retirement news conference on Aug. 30. “I’m here to be a steward of the program.”Longtime assistant Jennifer Brundage will stay on as pitching coach and Faith Canfield will remain the volunteer coach.

That’s how much the Michigan Softball Academy has raised for the American Cancer Society and breast cancer research over the past 13 years. About 150 participants have registered for the event, which includes its customary two-hour on-field instructional clinic put on by current Michigan players and coaches. Michigan football assistant coaches and former players Mike Hart and Denard Robinson, former quarterback John Wangler and new football radio play-by-play announcer Doug Karsch will square off in a home run derby following the clinic. “It’s really weird that I’m one of only two classes that have ever done it (the academy) in person. It’s just really fun and it really kind of puts the game in perspective.

Amanda Chidester came back to her alma mater, St. Frances Cabrini High School in Allen Park, with an Olympic medal around her neck

Former Michigan softball star Amanda Chidester has come through in a pivotal moment for Team USA once again. Chidester lined a single to left through a drawn-in infield to give the team a 2-1 victory. Team USA has outscored opponents 7-1 during its four games. Chidester has played for the U.S. National Team since 2012 but is making her first Olympics appearance. RELATED: ‘Endless’ emotions as ex-Michigan softball star Amanda Chidester preps for Tokyo OlympicsSee which athletes with University of Michigan ties are headed to Tokyo Olympics

Former Michigan softball star Amanda Chidester is off to a hot start for Team USA at the Tokyo Olympics. The Allen Park native delivered the game-winning hit in a 1-0 victory over Canada on Wednesday, helping the U.S. improve to 2-0. The hit was Chidester’s second of the game and third in seven at-bats during the Olympics. She was a two-time All-American and two-time Big Ten Payer of the Year. “It’s surreal,” Chidester told MLive earlier this month about playing in the Olympics.

Here are the athletes with ties to the great state of Michigan competing at the Tokyo Olympics.

Even before Amanda Chidester became a star for Michigan’s softball team, she dreamed of playing in the Olympics. Softball is back in the Olympics for the first time since 2008, and Chidester is one of 15 players who will represent Team USA at the Tokyo Games July 21-27. She made the U.S. National Team in 2012 and played in three world championships, winning gold in 2016. But when the International Olympics Committee voted in August 2016 to bring back softball for the 2020 Tokyo Games, Chidester couldn’t pass up the opportunity. The Tokyo Olympics scheduled for July 24-Aug. 9 2020 were postponed in March , leading to uncertainty of the future of the games.

Friday, we learned that overseas spectators will not be allowed to attend the games in Tokyo, but athletes are still preparing for the games to go on as planned, because it’s the only way to train. We met her in November 2019, as she trained in Howell for her first Olympic Games. “At same time, you’re living great life of being a professional athlete, an Olympic athlete.”What’s better than one Olympic athlete? “We will support each other no matter what and be happy for each other, no matter the result,” Chidester said. No matter what.”AdRELATED: How Metro Detroit olympians managed to keep training through COVID pandemic

Four elite athletes put in the work despite the coronavirus pandemic even though the Olympics were postponed. Athletes had to put their lives on hold and train for another year when the postponement was announced. “Had to train on hills or train on grass,” Sember said. AdSoftball player Amanda Chidester said she did what a lot of people did -- purchased home workout equipment. But all the athletes kept a great perspective and were willing to adjust.