Clarksville, Ark.--Elizabeth Caroscio has been named Head Softball Coach and Head Cross Country Coach at the University of the Ozarks, announced by Athletics Director Dave De Hart on Wednesday.
Caroscio, 25, comes from NCAA III College of New Rochelle in New Rochelle, New York, where she coached the Blue Angels during the 2005 softball season. Caroscio made the most of her only season there by earning Hudson Valley Women’s Athletic Conference Softball Coach of the Year honors. Prior to New Rochelle, she was an assistant coach at NCAA III Buffalo State College in Buffalo, New York, from 2002-2004. Caroscio helped the 2004 squad to a 24-16 mark and earn a spot in the conference post-season playoff tournament. "The gorgeous campus along with the great people associated with Ozarks are a winning combination," said Caroscio. "It is a wonderful environment to receive an education. The residence halls are top-of-the-line and all of the new buildings are beautiful. The softball field is phenomenal, too. It is a comprehensive package for the students." Caroscio’s coaching emphasis will be centered around teaching game fundamentals in addition to stressing the importance of strong practice habits. "The little things are what win games," said Caroscio. "I want to stress fundamentals to our girls. We want to work hard in practice. How you practice is how you play. I want my players to be prepared and play with pride. I want to raise the bar." A native of Elmira, New York, Caroscio earned a bachelor’s degree in communications from State University of New York (SUNY) at Geneseo in 2002. She earned her master’s degree from Canisius College in 2004. "Elizabeth brings an outstanding level of professionalism and softball experience to the program," said De Hart. "She understands the balance between academics and athletics within a NCAA III setting. She knows the value and the role that collegiate athletics plays in the life of a student-athlete. She brings immediate credibility to the softball program and the entire athletic department. Her addition is certainly a positive step towards continuing the competitiveness of our athletic programs." Her vast athletic administration experience includes two years as a Student Athlete Advisory Committee Advisor at Long Island University-C.W. Post and two years in the Marketing and Promotions Department at Canisius College. Caroscio was a four-year starter at NCAA III SUNY Geneseo where she served as the softball team captain during the 2001 and 2002 seasons. She was an All-Conference and a NFCA All-Region player while leading Geneseo to a NCAA III Sweet 16 appearance. Caroscio is a member of the National Fastpitch Coaches Association and the National Association of Collegiate Women Athletic Administrators. Caroscio was chosen from a nation-wide search of over fifty candidates.
Topics: Athletics