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2009 marks head coach Maria DiBernardi's 25th season at the helm of the Villanova University softball program. In her career on the Main Line, she has compiled an impressive 625-491-9 (.560) record. She has spent all of her coaching career at Villanova and has become the winningest coach in school history over that time. DiBernardi earned her 600th career victory on April 22, 2007 when her Wildcats posted a 1-0 shutout over conference rival Providence College on the road. Following her impressive 24 seasons, DiBernardi has worked her way into the coaching elite ranking 31st among active coaches in wins (604) and among the top-100 in winning percentage (.566). DiBernardi has guided the Wildcats to 12 BIG EAST Tournaments since they began in 1990. Twice the Wildcats advanced to the title game (1993, 2003), emerging as runners-up both times. She has led the Wildcats to three 40-plus win seasons in 1999, 2001 and 2002. DiBernardi served as the president of the BIG EAST Conference Softball Committee for four years, from 1997-2000. She is active in numerous camps and instructional clinics throughout the greater Philadelphia area, including Villanova Fastpitch Softball Camps held at Villanova throughout the year. DiBernardi has also coached at the Keystone State Games in the over-18 fast pitch division, winning two gold medals and two silver medals. In 2002, DiBernardi's own athletic accomplishments were recognized as she was named to Norristown's All-Time Team for the 20th Century as a pitcher and was honored as Co-Player of the 20th Century. DiBernardi was also named 3rd Team All-American at the 1990 ASA National Tournament. DiBernardi has focused on success both on the field and in the classroom throughout her coaching career. Through this philosophy, DiBernardi has produced 60 BIG EAST All-Conference Players along with 147 BIG EAST Academic All Stars. Following the 2008 season Jackie Dempsey was selected to the third team All-BIG EAST, while Meghan Morese was named a second team All-Northeast Region selection. 12 of DiBernardi's student-athletes were selected to the BIG EAST Academic All-Star squad. The 2008 Wildcats were named an NFCA All-Academic team for having finished the season with a combined GPA of 3.238. Villanova ranked 41st out of 103 schools on the list. DiBernardi is a 1985 graduate of Immaculata College and holds a bachelor's degree in nursing. She resides in Newtown Square with her daughter, Deanna who is a senior pitcher for Yale University Softball. Her brother John attended Villanova as an undergraduate and then moved on to the Villanova Law School. Her sister, Danine was an All-American field hockey player at Villanova in 1984. |
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