Kristi Bredbenner enters her third season as assistant coach at UC Santa Barbara, looking to build on the success and experience of last year's team. Working with players in all aspects of the game, Bredbenner played an instrumental role in guiding the Gauchos to their first ever NCAA Tournament appearance in 2004 and a second place finish in the tough Big West Conference--the highest finish in UCSB history. As a coach, Bredbenner brings experience, enthusiasm and a fundamental understanding of the game to her players.

A 2001 graduate of Truman State with a Bachelor's Degree in Business/Marketing, Bredbenner played for Schroeder all three seasons that she was the head coach of the Bulldogs program. Bredbenner spent the 2002 season as Truman State's interim head coach, filling the spot left by Schroeder when she came to UCSB. Bredbenner guided the Bulldogs to a 31-19 overall record in 2002, earning a trip to the NCAA Division II Regionals.

As a player, Bredbenner was a two-time Division II All-American catcher. In her four years at Truman Bredbenner claimed nearly every hitting record, including career and single season records for games played, at bats, hits, doubles, home runs, total bases, RBI, walks, batting average, and slugging percentage.

Bredbenner was a four-time All-MIAA pick, and was named MVP of the conference in 2000. She was named to the regional all-tournament team three times as the Bulldogs advanced to the championship game in all three seasons.

A native of O'Fallon, MO, she currently resides in Goleta. She received a master's degree in physical education and sports management from Azusa Pacific University.