University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Photo by: Charles LeClaire
Aprile Resigns to Accept Head Coaching Position at Louisville
7/8/2018 10:21:00 AM | Softball
PITTSBURGH – Following 10 seasons at the helm, and 15 overall with the University of Pittsburgh softball program, head coach Holly Aprile has accepted an offer to become the next head coach of the Louisville Cardinals.
"I'm extremely thankful to the University of Pittsburgh for the opportunity they've given me to be a part of this program over the last 15 years and lead it for the past 10," said Aprile. "I am so grateful for all of the support I received throughout my years, not only from the administration at Pitt, but the entire city of Pittsburgh and nationwide as well.
"I've had the honor to work with some of the most amazing student-athletes during my time at Pitt, especially during this past season. I was truly blessed to be around one of the best groups of young women that I have ever had the honor of coaching and am extremely proud of them and their accomplishments. I know they will continue to lead this program to great heights."
Promoted to head coach in July 2008, after serving as an assistant for five years under former leader Michelle Phalen (1998-2008), Aprile (2009-2018) was named the second head coach in program history.
"I want to thank Holly Aprile for her tremendous work on behalf of our program and student-athletes over the past 15 years," said Director of Athletics Heather Lyke. "She certainly departs on a high note following our historic 2018 campaign.
"We will now begin a national search for the next leader of the Pitt softball program who can continue, and build upon, our team's momentum. I believe Pitt is a highly attractive opportunity and we anticipate significant interest from coaches nationwide."
The 2018 ACC Coach of the Year ended her tenure with the Panthers with a 271-234 overall record (.537) and recently led Pitt to new heights, including the team's first ACC Coastal Division Championship (2018), NCAA Tournament appearance (2015) and national ranking (2017).
This past season, Aprile guided Pitt to an ACC Coastal Division Title and its second appearance in four years in the ACC Championship game. The Panthers dramatic tournament run included wins over Virginia Tech and North Carolina, before the squad fell to eventual national champion Florida State in the final. 2018 also marked Pitt's third 30-win season (33-18-1, 16-6 ACC) in the last four years, while the Panthers' 16 conference wins were a program high since entering the ACC in 2014.
Aprile led Pitt to its most successful season in program history in 2015, as the Panthers went dancing for the first time, reaching the NCAA Regional Final against nationally ranked Michigan. The squad earned the at-large bid after advancing to the ACC Championship game against No. 1 Florida State in their first appearance in a conference postseason tournament. The squad's accomplishments in 2015 led to NFCA Mid-Atlantic Region Coaching Staff of the Year honors.
In total, Aprile coached 10 all-region selections, 12 all-conference recipients and eight ACC All-Tournament honorees.
A former United States National Team member and standout pitcher/outfielder for the University of Massachusetts – Amherst, Aprile graduated in 1992 with a degree in sport management.
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"I'm extremely thankful to the University of Pittsburgh for the opportunity they've given me to be a part of this program over the last 15 years and lead it for the past 10," said Aprile. "I am so grateful for all of the support I received throughout my years, not only from the administration at Pitt, but the entire city of Pittsburgh and nationwide as well.
"I've had the honor to work with some of the most amazing student-athletes during my time at Pitt, especially during this past season. I was truly blessed to be around one of the best groups of young women that I have ever had the honor of coaching and am extremely proud of them and their accomplishments. I know they will continue to lead this program to great heights."
Promoted to head coach in July 2008, after serving as an assistant for five years under former leader Michelle Phalen (1998-2008), Aprile (2009-2018) was named the second head coach in program history.
"I want to thank Holly Aprile for her tremendous work on behalf of our program and student-athletes over the past 15 years," said Director of Athletics Heather Lyke. "She certainly departs on a high note following our historic 2018 campaign.
"We will now begin a national search for the next leader of the Pitt softball program who can continue, and build upon, our team's momentum. I believe Pitt is a highly attractive opportunity and we anticipate significant interest from coaches nationwide."
The 2018 ACC Coach of the Year ended her tenure with the Panthers with a 271-234 overall record (.537) and recently led Pitt to new heights, including the team's first ACC Coastal Division Championship (2018), NCAA Tournament appearance (2015) and national ranking (2017).
This past season, Aprile guided Pitt to an ACC Coastal Division Title and its second appearance in four years in the ACC Championship game. The Panthers dramatic tournament run included wins over Virginia Tech and North Carolina, before the squad fell to eventual national champion Florida State in the final. 2018 also marked Pitt's third 30-win season (33-18-1, 16-6 ACC) in the last four years, while the Panthers' 16 conference wins were a program high since entering the ACC in 2014.
Aprile led Pitt to its most successful season in program history in 2015, as the Panthers went dancing for the first time, reaching the NCAA Regional Final against nationally ranked Michigan. The squad earned the at-large bid after advancing to the ACC Championship game against No. 1 Florida State in their first appearance in a conference postseason tournament. The squad's accomplishments in 2015 led to NFCA Mid-Atlantic Region Coaching Staff of the Year honors.
In total, Aprile coached 10 all-region selections, 12 all-conference recipients and eight ACC All-Tournament honorees.
A former United States National Team member and standout pitcher/outfielder for the University of Massachusetts – Amherst, Aprile graduated in 1992 with a degree in sport management.
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