Bio

Kristine Botto Drust returns for her second season with the Central Connecticut State University softball team.  In her first year as coach Franquet's top assistant the Blue Devils excelled both academically and athletically.  The program recorded its most wins in 16 seasons, and was recognized for its success in the classroom after posting a team G.P.A. of 3.175 for the 09-10 academic year.

Prior to arriving at Central Botto Durst spent eight years as a coach at her alma mater, the University of Massachusetts-Lowell.  She helped lead UMass-Lowell to two NCAA regional berths and a Northeast-10 Tournament Championship in 2007.

Botto Drust a native of Lowell, MA and graduate of Lowell High School,  was inducted into the Lowell (H.S.) Hall of Fame in 2007 and was inducted into the UMass-Lowell Athletic Hall of Fame in May of 2009 at the University's Excellence Banquet.

Botto Drust, a two-time All-American catcher,   remains prominent in the UMass-Lowell record books as she established several single-season and career records.  She remains the career leader in stolen bases (77), stolen base percentage (.895, 77/86) and singles (205).  As well as singles (66) and steals (33) in a single season at UMass-Lowell. She had also been the previous career leader in games played (185) and at bats (607), and is among career leaders in many other categories, including runs (126, 3rd), hits (208, 3rd), and batting (.343, 3rd).

In addition to earning All-America status, Botto Drust was also a three-time National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) Northeast Region First Team honoree and all-conference first team selection.

Known as an exceptionally quick slapper and bunter, Botto Drust joined the Connecticut Classics following graduation, and led the team in hitting for three seasons, capturing a National Championship in 2001.

Botto Drust also played for the New England Riptide in the 2005 and 2006 seasons, helping them to the 2006 National Pro Fastpitch Championship over her former team, the Connecticut Brakettes. In 2004, Botto Drust led the Brakettes in hitting with a .396 average as they won their 26th ASA National Championship.

Botto Drust  lives in Middletown, CT with her husband Don Drust, a former UMass-Lowell football standout.