Ryan Realmuto, a former four-time All-Big 12 catcher at Oklahoma State, was named assistant softball coach at Hofstra University, it was announced today by Head Coach Bill Edwards. Realmuto joins Edwards and Associate Head Coach Larissa Anderson on the 2007 Hofstra Softball staff.
Realmuto is already familiar with Hofstra Softball Stadium, after playing for the New York/New Jersey Juggernaut of the National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) league in the summer of 2005, which played its home games at Hofstra. She hit 10 home runs for the Juggernaut, ranking her third in all of the NPF, while also leading the team with 27 RBI.
The Juggernaut moved to Philadelphia in 2006, where she was the starting catcher for the Force this past summer. She also was a member of the NPF's Texas Thunder in 2004, and was an NPF All-Star in both 2004 with the Thunder and in 2005 with the Juggernaut.
Realmuto played at Oklahoma State University from 2000-2003, earning All-Big 12 status in all four seasons. She holds Oklahoma State career records for home runs (27), doubles (40), hits (162) and RBI (97). She was also a National Fastpitch Coaches Association All-Regional selection as a junior and senior, and was twice chosen to the Big 12's All-Academic team. She graduated in 2003 with a degree in education.
"We are absolutely ecstatic to have Ryan join our staff," said Edwards. "She has an incredible enthusiasm for the game, and she has played at such a high level that she will bring a tremendous amount of knowledge to our staff. We were also impressed with Ryan's knowledge of Hofstra. She knew about our tradition and our success, and really wanted to be a part of it."
Realmuto has also found time for some coaching experience since graduating from Oklahoma State as well, in addition to her professional playing career. She was a volunteer assistant coach at the University of Missouri during the 2003-2004 season, and coached at Gwynedd Mercy Academy in Gwynedd Valley, Pennsylvania last spring.
The Hofstra Softball team has won nine straight conference championships, including its first five as members of the Colonial Athletic Association (2002-06) and its final four as a member of the America East (1998-2001). The Pride has made nine NCAA Tournament appearances, including each of the last four seasons, a stretch during which it has won nine NCAA Tournament games. Hofstra reached the regional finals in 2004 and 2005, while the 2004 team was one win shy of the Women's College World Series.
