Hempstead, NY – Hofstra University Head Softball Coach Susan Cassidy-Lyke has announced the promotion of assistant coach Nikki Amodeo to associate head coach, effective immediately.
 
Amodeo completed her first season as assistant coach of the Pride during the 2025 season, where Hofstra won 22 games and was one of the final four teams at the 2025 CAA Championships.
 
"This promotion is very well deserved," Cassidy-Lyke said. "Nikki's passion for all facets of the game, coupled with her desire to teach our student-athletes, makes her a valuable member of the coaching staff. This past year, she took on an increased level of responsibility, and grew as a young coach. I am looking forward to tapping into her potential as we move forward to improve our team."
 
Under Amodeo's tutelage, Dahlia Palacio ranked seventh in the nation with 0.38 triples per game and 20th with 18 total doubles, the fourth-most in a season in program history, while Alanna Morse was named All-CAA Second Team and Carley Ernst picked up CAA All-Rookie honors in 2025. Additionally, the Pride finished the season in the top 50 nationally for doubles per game and in the top 100 for triples and triples per game.
 
Amodeo arrived in Hempstead after spending the 2024 season as an assistant coach for the Connecticut softball program. She helped mentor several award-winning student-athletes, including the Big East Conference Player of the Year and a pair of All-Big East Conference First Team honorees. It was Amodeo's second stint at Connecticut and she assisted the program in all facets, including working with the catching and outfield units. 
 
Amodeo graduated from Adelphi University in 2019 with a bachelor's degree in sports management, and she received her master's degree in social science from Wesleyan University in 2021. Amodeo was a decorated student-athlete during her undergraduate career at Adelphi, where she was a three-time NE10 All-Conference honoree and was a member of four teams that appeared in the NCAA Tournament, including the 2016 squad that advanced to the NCAA Division II Women's College World Series.