Aug. 8, 2008

PITTSBURGH—Holly Aprile has been named the Interim Head Coach of the Pitt softball team, announced by Athletic Director Steve Pederson.

Aprile has served as an assistant coach the past five seasons with the Panthers, working specifically with the pitchers and catchers the last four years. During that time, Pitt has seen a number of its pitching records fall, including last season when Cory Berliner became the first rookie and Panther to win 16 games in a season.

Additionally, pitcher Kayla Zinger set the school record with a 1.88 ERA. Zinger and catcher Sam Card were named to All-Big East teams in their first seasons working together under Aprile’s watch.

“I am excited and honored that athletic director Steve Pederson has given me the opportunity to lead the Pitt softball program,” said Aprile. “Pitt has an outstanding academic and athletic tradition, and I am eager to build upon the success of the softball team as we strive for a Big East title and NCAA berth.”

In 2005, Aprile was inducted in the UMass Hall of Fame following an All-America career with the Minutewomen. She led the squad to four Atlantic 10 titles and was named the A-10 Player of the Year three times.

Aprile succeeds Michelle Phalen, who was Pitt’s first-ever head softball coach for the past 10 seasons and recently resigned to accept a position outside of collegiate athletics.

The Panthers return nine letterwinners from the 2008 season.