The IUP athletic department has named Ali Ferrari as the new head coach of the softball program.  Ferrari has been an assistant coach at IUP for the past three seasons while also serving as the program’s recruiting coordinator.

Ferrari succeeds Sue Snyder, whose contract was not renewed following the conclusion of the 2007 season.  In 13 seasons at IUP, Snyder posted a record of 311-235 and led the team into the NCAA tournament six times, including berths in the Mid-Atlantic Region championship round in 2000, 2001 and 2005.

During her stint as an assistant coach, Ferrari was responsible for infield and hitting instruction and directing the team’s conditioning and individual workout programs.  She assisted in organizing and directing summer camps, numerous clinics and all fundraising efforts.

Ferrari also coordinated the team’s academics, and IUP had a cumulative team grade point average of between 3.3 and 3.5 over the last three years.

In her first season on the staff in 2005, IUP earned berths in both the PSAC and NCAA Mid-Atlantic Regional tournaments and won three games at the region tournament to qualify for the championship round.

Prior to coming to IUP, Ferrari was on the coaching staff for one season at Saint Francis.  She has been active in softball camps, including serving on the staff at the UCLA Bruin Softball Camp in Los Angeles where she works with many of the top players and coaches in the country.

Ferrari was a standout player for two seasons at California, earning several accolades during the 1999 and 2000 campaigns.  She was twice selected first team All-PSAC West and All-Mid-Atlantic Region and played on two conference championship squads.

In 1999, Ferrari played a key role on a Vulcan team that won the Mid-Atlantic Region championship, and she was named to the all-tournament team.

Ferrari earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration and management from California in 2001 and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in sport science and sport management at IUP.

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