University of Illinois at Chicago Athletic Director Jim Schmidt announced on June 19, 2008 that former Olympic gold medal winner and Chicago area native Michelle Venturella has been hired as head softball coach pending Board of Trustees approval. Venturella comes to UIC after spending the last six seasons as associate head coach at the University of Iowa under head coach Gayle Blevins, serving as the recruiting coordinator and hitting coach while also mentoring the team's catchers. "We were overwhelmed with interest in our softball head coaching position which is a testament to the tradition of success this program has had," Schmidt said. "Michelle Venturella, with her background as a coach, recruiter and elite player, is the perfect fit for UIC softball as we look to build upon that tradition and continue to be a competitor on a regional and national level." During her tenure in Iowa City, Venturella helped the Hawkeyes to a record of 251-116 with Iowa making five NCAA Regional appearances and claiming the 2003 Big Ten regular season and tournament titles. "I want to thank Jim Schmidt for giving me a tremendous opportunity to be the head softball coach at UIC," Venturella said. "I look forward to working with people such as Jim and other administrators and athletic staff who share my vision of getting the softball program back to the top of the conference and becoming a national contender. "I welcome the challenges ahead and know that UIC is a place which allows you to create a successful program and positive environment for student-athletes that they will be excited to call their own." A product of Thornwood High School in South Holland, Ill., Venturella brings with her to UIC a wealth of experience as a standout player on a national, international and professional level. A 1996 graduate of Indiana University, she starred as a catcher for the Hoosiers, earning All-America and Big Ten Player of the Year honors. That success led to a six-year stint on the USA National Team, which culminated in Venturella winning gold medals at the 1998 World Championships and the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Venturella got her first taste of coaching at the collegiate level at Northern Illinois, serving as an assistant coach during the 1996-97 season. Following her time at NIU, Venturella spent the next five years as a technical representative for Louisville Slugger while also serving as a personal instructor and motivational speaker under her own company, Michelle Venturella Inc. WHAT THEY'RE SAYING ABOUT MICHELLE VENTURELLA: "She comes from such a tremendous softball background from her All-America
days at Indiana to her experience on the Olympic Team and time coaching at
Iowa. She has great credentials and I believe that she will produce a
top-notch winning program at UIC."
"As hard as it is to lose someone will her skills and ability, I am
excited for her professionally. Michelle is an outstanding coach and
person with an incredible knowledge of the game. I have no doubt that UIC
will be happy to have her as their new head coach."
"I think that it is absolutely fantastic. Not only does she study and know
the game, she most importantly cares about her players. Michelle knows how
to win and I think that she will be a great addition to UIC by taking the
program to a different level."
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