UMass Coach Elaine Sortino is battling cancer

This is another one of those instances that we are all reminded that there is more to life than softball: legendary UMass head coach Elaine Sortino is battling cancer. This is an extremely difficult time for both her and her team and is important to keep her in our thoughts and prayers. She has done so much for this sport and this conference, we have to be there for her. Whether it is a tweet, email, text, letter, please show your support and help 'Coach' in this fight.

Here is the official press release:

University
Of Massachusetts Statement On Health Of Softball Coach Elaine Sortino

Longtime head coach receiving treatment for form of cancer.

University Of Massachusetts Statement On Health Of Softball Coach Elaine Sortino

Longtime head coach receiving treatment for form of cancer.

AMHERST, Mass. – University of Massachusetts head softball coach Elaine Sortino has informed her team and the Department of Athletics that she has been diagnosed and is currently receiving treatment for a form of cancer. Sortino, who also serves as the department’s Associate Athletic Director/Senior Women’s Administrator, will continue to serve as the head coach of the softball team, however, day-to-day operations will be handled by associate head coach Kathryn Gleason and assistant coach Kristi Stefanoni.

“Elaine informed her team tonight following the Boston College game and asked us toinform fans and the general public as to her situation,” said Director of Athletics John McCutcheon. “She is undergoing treatments right now and will continue to be as involved as possible with the team as our head coach. Her coaching staff, the athletic department and all involved with the program support her as she continues to fight this disease.”

Sortino is in her 33rd year as the head coach at UMass and is one of just five active coaches in the NCAA with over 1,100 wins. She is one of just eight coaches in NCAA history to hit the 1,000-win plateau. A member of the National Fastpitch Coaches Association Hall of Fame, Sortino has led UMass to 22 Atlantic 10 titles, 20 NCAA regional appearances, and three trips to the NCAA College World Series. She is a 10-time Atlantic 10 Coach of the Year honoree.

“Going forward, we ask that people respect Elaine’s privacy as she deals with this fight,” said McCutcheon. “Questions regarding Elaine can be sent to myself or Jaime Seguin who is our Associate Senior Women’s Administrator. This is a trying time for both Elaine and the student-athletes of her team and we will give them the full support of the department and the University.”