Amherst College has
announced Whitney Mollica Goldstein has been named as the program's softball
interim head coach following two seasons as an assistant. Mollica Goldstein was
a four-year standout at UMass from 2006-09, where she was a three-time
all-Atlantic 10 selection and the 2006 A-10 Rookie and Player of the Year.
Here is an excerpt
from Amherst's release:
Mollica
Goldstein played a pivotal role in helping Amherst transform from a 14-16 team
in 2011 to a 36-6 team in 2012, marking the 10th best single-season improvement
in NCAA Division III history. Last year's Amherst squad got off to a 22-0 start
en route to its first playoff berth since 2006, its first NCAA tournament
appearance since 1999, and its first NFCA national ranking since 2000.
"I would like
to thank Athletics Director Suzanne Coffey and the administration for allowing
me this very exciting opportunity," said Mollica Goldstein. "I am very
fortunate to work alongside great people who have made my time at Amherst so
welcoming. I have enjoyed being a part of such a special institution where a
healthy blend of academics and athletics allows us to compete on a national
scale in all aspects."
Amherst saw
drastic one-year improvements in virtually every statistical category last
year, including batting average (from .264 in 2011 to .324 in 2012), earned run
average (2.88 to 1.86) and fielding percentage (.945 to .959). Eleven players
from the 2012 team will return next year--including the entire pitching
staff--with four members of the Class of 2016 also ready to join the squad.
"I'm excited
about the future of Amherst Softball," Mollica Goldstein said. "With a focus on
strong pitching, timely hitting, and solid defense, I think our 2013 squad will
bring the passion, mentality, and drive for a successful season. Last year
helped ignite the fire we needed to continually push for postseason play."
Read the complete release here.
