WEST HARTFORD, Conn. – Director of Athletics Patricia H. Meiser has named Diana Consolmagno the seventh coach in the 33-year history of the University of Hartford softball program. Consolmagno makes her debut as a Division I collegiate head coach after spending four seasons as an assistant softball coach at Rutgers University where she was a member of Jay Nelson's coaching staff.
“We are pleased to have Diana join the Hartford Hawks family,” stated Meiser. “Her demonstrated leadership will be an inspiration to our student athletes. Diana's recruiting experience at Rutgers will allow her to hit the ground running during the crucial summer recruiting season. She will bring with her an intense level of energy and enthusiasm that we hope our student athletes will mirror. We look forward to seeing Diana's success on the field.”
“I would first like to thank Pat Meiser and the Hartford staff for this wonderful opportunity,” exclaimed Consolmagno. “I would also like to thank Rutgers for providing me with the experience and tools I need to coach at the top level.”
In Consolmagno's four seasons at Rutgers, she was instrumental in significantly improving the Scarlet Knights' win percentage. During her tenure, she helped the Scarlet Knights post an overall record of 90-130 and led the team to its first Big East Conference Tournament appearance in 2010. A former college shortstop, third baseman and outfielder, she assisted with the Scarlet Knights' outfielders and also served as the squad's hitting coach, base path coach and the conditioning coach. In addition, Consolmagno provided support as the Scarlet Knights' fundraising coordinator and film technician while overseeing recruiting operations and camps/clinics.
“Diana has all of the qualities it takes to be a highly successful head coach,” Nelson stated. “She not only coaches the athletes but mentors them in both softball and life skills. There is no doubt that she will foster an atmosphere of success both on the field and in the classroom. There is no doubt that the University of Hartford has found a gem to direct the success of its softball program.”
Consolmagno arrived at Rutgers by way of the College of Staten Island, where she was a graduate assist from 2004-06. Consolmagno served as the hitting, outfield, and strength and conditioning coach throughout her two seasons with the Dolphins. During her tenure, Staten Island reached two CUNY championships and qualified for a pair of NCAA Division III Tournaments.
Consolmagno enjoyed a standout collegiate career as a four-year captain at the University of Wisconsin and a member of several successful Badger teams. She took Wisconsin to two-straight NCAA Tournament appearances in 2001 and 2002 while helping the team to its best finish in the Big Ten Conference. Consolmagno also received numerous awards and honors during her collegiate career. She earned the Badger Pride Award and the Coaches Award, and was deemed the Most Inspirational Player as well as the Freshman of the Year.
Consolmagno also adds a wealth of experience working with various camps, clinics and travel organizations to her coaching resume. Consolmagno was a hitting, fielding, and strength and conditioning instructor at Jim Agnello's Baseball Academy and Zoned Academy where she worked with players on their hitting skills and organized group clinics. She has also coached teams in the New York Panthers Travel Softball Organization for more than six years, and served as an instructor and speaker in Michele Smith's Rise Ball Camps and NJSAA Coaches Clinics.
“I am super excited for Diana and the University of Hartford,” commented Smith. “She is going to do a great job. Diana is a quality person and coach, and I know she is going to make a big difference.”
In addition to her collegiate playing career, Consolmagno was a four-year member of the NY/NJ Beach Girls Gold Travel Organization where she was a Gold Nationals participant. She also played in the University of Hawaii Invitational Softball Tournament where she was named to the All-Tournament Team.
“I am very excited to be a part of the Hartford family,” Consolmagno continued. “My first goal will be to instill Hawk pride into our program. I will focus on creating a winning tradition by encouraging a positive atmostphere where Hartford softball players will have the ability to excel on and off of the field.”
Consolmagno received her Bachelor of Science degree in human ecology-child development and family studies from the University of Wisconsin in 2004. In August of 2006, she earned her master's degree in special education from the College of Staten Island.
Consolmagno has three younger siblings, a sister, Maria and two brothers, Michael and Francis. Michael played baseball at the University of South Florida while Francis was a member of the football team at the University of Delaware.
