Post by tootie223 on Aug 3, 2010 13:37:55 GMT -5
RONI RIVERA NAMED HEAD SOFTBALL COACH AT IONA
Former Muhlenberg head coach to lead MAAC Champs in 2010-11
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Brian Beyrer (914-497-3136)
BBeyrer@iona.edu
NEW ROCHELLE, NY - Iona College Director of Athletics Patrick Lyons has named Roni Rivera as head coach of the Iona softball program. Rivera comes to Iona from Muhlenberg, where she served as head coach for the past two seasons.
"I'm excited for the opportunity to coach at an institution with the quality of academics and athletics that Iona embraces," said Rivera. "I am very impressed with the accomplishments of the 2010 team and look forward to keeping that momentum of success while continuing to raise the bar of Iona softball."
"We are pleased to have Roni on board to lead our softball program," said Lyons. "Roni brings a wealth of experience as both a player and coach at all levels of college softball. Her energy and passion will help us continue to be a top contender in the MAAC."
In Rivera's first year with Muhlenberg, the Mules tied for the biggest turnaround in Centennial Conference history and won their first conference championship in six years, earning a bid to the NCAA Tournament. The squad set program records in home runs, doubles, and extra base hits with three members being named to the All-Conference team. For her efforts she was named Centennial Conference Coach of the Year. In her second season, Rivera coached the Centennial’s Player of the Year in infielder Ashley Brewer.
Prior to Muhlenberg, Rivera spent three years at Dartmouth College, serving as the program's top assistant coach. The Big Green finished in second place in the Ivy League Northern Division her last two years with the squad. At Dartmouth, Rivera served as primary coach for infielders and catchers while assisting with hitting, outfield and pitching. In addition, she handled the recruitment players from all regions of the country.
Prior to Dartmouth, Rivera coached at Cal State Northridge. With the Matadors, Rivera helped the softball team to a 16-23 record while two players were named All-Big West. At Cal State Northridge, Rivera instructed the team's catchers and battery. She assisted with hitting and defensive practices while also preparing and sending post-game scouting reports.
Before her stint with the Matadors, Rivera served as an administrative assistant and softball instructor at the Dan Duquette Sports Academy for several months.
As a player, Rivera had a successful career at Santa Clara University. A four-year varsity letterwinner and two-time captain, she was a recipient of an NCAA Post Graduate Scholarship and was given the team's Most Inspirational award. Rivera was chosen as an Arthur Ashe Jr. Sport Scholar in 2002 and 2003 and was named to the West Intercollegiate Softball League All-Academic team twice.
The president of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and a member of the Student-Athlete Leadership Council, Rivera was selected to represent Santa Clara at the 2002 NCAA Foundation Leadership Conference. She also won the Carol Williams Award as the senior student-athlete who best exemplifies the ideals of leadership and community service.
After graduating Santa Clara with a degree in history, Rivera earned a master’s in sports administration from the University of Massachusetts while serving as a graduate assistant at Mt. Holyoke College.
The Iona College softball team earned its first ever berth into the NCAA Championship this past season. Led by junior-to-be MAAC Pitcher of the Year and tournament Most Outstanding Performer Sarah Jackson, the Gaels captured the 2010 conference championship while finishing with a 28-26 overall record and 13-3 in conference play. Sophomore OF Jodi Petersen was named the MAAC's Rookie of the Year. Jackson and Petersen were joined on the All-MAAC first team by junior 1B Allyssa James. The All-MAAC Second Team included seniors C Melanie Gettins and 2B Tessa Earley and sophomore DP Eileen McCann.
FOR TRANSACTIONS: Iona College: Named Roni Rivera, Head Softball Coach