WEST HARTFORD, Conn. -- After 10 seasons and nearly 340 victories as assistant softball coach at Kutztown University, Don Justus is heading home.

Justus, a Branford, Connecticut resident, has accepted an offer to join head coach Angie Churchill's staff in a similar capacity at the University of Hartford.

"I am extremely excited to welcome Don and his wife, Jodie, to the Hartford family," Churchill told HartfordHawks.com. "He brings a wealth of knowledge to our program and I think he is going to excel here. He has succeeded at a high level and knows how to develop young talent. I have known Don for a long time and I know what he stands for and believes in.  He is going to elevate our program and help bring us to a championship level."

Hartford is a member of NCAA Division I, competing in the America East Conference. The Hawks won 20 games and hosted the America East Conference Championship tournament this past spring.

Working alongside Judy Lawes, the 16th winningest coach in NCAA Division II history, Justus helped the Golden Bears qualify for six NCAA tournaments, win the 2013 Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) championship and finish as national runners-up in 2013.

Justus was instrumental in the development of pitchers and outfielders, recruiting, coordinating camps and clinics, fundraising, and assisting with scheduling and travel. He also served as the team's academic coordinator and advisor for KU's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC).

Kutztown totaled 339 victories with Justus on staff, including a school record 52 wins (52-7) in 2012, 40-win seasons in 2010 and 2011, and eight winning seasons overall. The Maroon and Gold advanced out of regional play to the NCAA Division II Championship in 2012 and 2013.

Justus carries previous Division I coaching experience to Hartford, too. Prior to joining KU, he was an assistant coach at Iona College from 2007-09, overseeing a pitching staff that featured 2009 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) Rookie of the Year Sarah Jackson. A member of the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) as a Three Star Master Coach, Connecticut High School Coaches Association, and the PONY Softball National Tournament Staff, Justus also spent the 2004-05 academic year at Kutztown.