Update

Coaching

The greatest pitcher in Atlantic 10 history: Brandice Balschmiter will be returning to her alma mater UMass as an assistant coach. Balschmiter had a 126-33 career record for the Minutewomen, losing just twice to Atlantic 10 opponents, both in her freshman season. Of Balschmiter's career losses 26 of those took place against ranked opponents. Balschmiter did not lose to a single northeast opponent during her career, marking a true period of UMass dominance in the region. Balschmiter earned four Atlantic 10 Pitcher of the Year and Atlantic 10 Tournament Most of Outstanding Player awards. Balschmiter will have an important role in shaping UMass' young pitching staff, which only 74.1 innings of experience.

In conjunction with Balschmiter being named an assistant coach, Kristi Stefanoni has been elevated to the role of associate coach. Stefanoni has been on the UMass staff since 2007 and she has been a big part of the Minutewomen's success in recent year.

George Washington will also be adding a highly ranked pitcher to its coaching ranks, as Iona great Sarah Jackson will be coming on board. Jackson led Iona to three straight appearances at NCAA Regionals and brought the program to new heights. Jackson was a two-time MAAC Pitcher of the Year and three-time All-MAAC 1st Team selection.

Fordham is adding former Virginia Tech 3B Charisse Mariconda to its staff. Mariconda helped lead the Hokies to the WCWS in 2008, as well as a victory over the US National Team. Mariconda comes to the Rams from Radford, where she was on the staff last year.

Recruiting news:
Mary Wiles 2013 1B/OF Hudson Valley Hurricanes to George Washington

Erica Reis 2012 1B Holy Family University (The Sports Connection) to La Salle
Michelle Hagarty 2013 SS Delco Rage to La Salle
Tori Gollie 2013 P/OF/3B NJ Inferno Gold to La Salle
Christina Bascara 2013 3B Lower South Liberty to La Salle
Val Buehler 2013 P The Sports Connection to La Salle
Suzanne Swanicke 2013 C The Sports Connection to La Salle
Marissa Kineer 2013 2B The Sports Connection to La Salle

Jaime Conklin 2012 to UMass

Desiree Gonzalez 2013 IF Battery Lightning Gold to St. Bonaventure
Kiera Lorenzo 2013 IF Battery Lightning Gold to St. Bonaventure
Josie Borysevicz 2014 P/1B/OF Polar Crush Gold to St. Bonaventure

Maddie Brunck 2013 OF Cheetahs to St. Joseph's

Maddie Doane 2014 OF Beverly Bandits has decommitted from St. Louis and subsequently committed to Syracuse