UIC tabs local product Michelle Venturella as head softball coach

June 20, 2008

CHICAGO - University of Illinois at Chicago Athletic Director Jim Schmidt announced on Thursday 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.

Venturella takes over a UIC team that returns six starters in 2009, including All-Horizon League honorees Sara Clynes (Florissant, Mo./St. Joseph's Academy) and Alicia Abbott (New Lenox, Ill./Lincoln Way Central).

The Flames have a decorated softball history with 11 league titles and eight NCAA Regional appearances since 1994.

Ironically, during that 1994 campaign, UIC topped Venturella's Indiana squad in the NCAA Regional finals to make the program's first and only College World Series appearance.

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING ABOUT MICHELLE VENTURELLA:

"She comes from such a tremendous softball background from her All-Americadays at Indiana to her experience on the Olympic Team and time coaching atIowa. She has great credentials and I believe that she will produce atop-notch winning program at UIC."
- Carol Hutchins, University of Michigan head softball coach

"As hard as it is to lose someone will her skills and ability, I amexcited for her professionally. Michelle is an outstanding coach andperson with an incredible knowledge of the game. I have no doubt that UICwill be happy to have her as their new head coach."
- Gayle Blevins, University of Iowa head softball coach

"I think that it is absolutely fantastic. Not only does she study and knowthe game, she most importantly cares about her players. Michelle knows howto win and I think that she will be a great addition to UIC by taking theprogram to a different level."
- Dani Tyler, former Olympic Gold Medal teammate

--Story provided by the UIC office of sports information