WEST HARTFORD, Conn. – University of Hartford softball coach Diana Consolmagno has announced the hiring of assistant coaches Sarah Kalka and Molly McCarthy. Kalka joins the staff as a full-time assistant while McCarthy will serve as the Hawks' pitching coach.
Kalka is a graduate of Rutgers University where she enjoyed a standout collegiate career as a four-year member of the Scarlet Knights' softball team. A shortstop, Kalka took home Big East First Team honors in 2007 and was also named to the Louisville Slugger/NFCA All-Northeast Region Second Team and to the ECAC Division I All-Star Team that year. Kalka captained the Scarlet Knights in 2008 and 2009 and graduated as the program's all-time leader in home runs, slugging 21 bombs during her four-year career.
In the classroom, Kalka landed a spot on the Big East All-Academic Team during all four seasons at Rutgers. A 2009 graduate, Kalka was a double major, receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism and psychology.
Kalka arrived at Hartford by way of County College of Morris where she was hired as the squad's assistant coach and strength and conditioning coach. During her tenure at County College of Morris, Kalka helped pilot the Titans to a program-best 40-win season in 2010 while leading the team to the Region XIX finals. In addition, Kalka has experience with Zoned Sports Academy as a hitting and fielding instructor and also worked the Rutgers Softball Camps from 2007-09.
McCarthy, a 2006 graduate of St. Bonaventure University, played four seasons of softball with the Bonnies. A pitcher, McCarthy made 14 appearances including 10 starts as a senior in 2006, helping the Bonnies to a pair of wins. The hurler earned a Bachelor of Arts in May of 2006 and went on to receive her Master of Science in Education from St. Bonaventure in December of 2008.
During her college career, McCarthy landed assistant coaching positions with the softball team at Clarence High School and the Western Empire State Softball Team. After her collegiate playing career concluded, McCarthy was hired as an assistant coach at her alma mater, serving as the Bonnies' pitching coach. Prior to Hartford, McCarthy spent one season as the head junior varsity coach at Williamsville North High School in 2009 and was named the assistant coach of the Williamsville North's varsity team in 2010.
McCarthy also adds a wealth of coaching experience working with various camps and clinics to her resume. She served as an instructor for nine years at the Buffalo School of Baseball and has also worked for the Canisius College Pitching and All Positions Camp since 2006.
McCarthy also excelled off the field, receiving NFCA All-America Scholar-Athlete accolades in 2006 while earning a spot on the Dean's List on three occasions.
The Hartford softball team kicks-off its fall season with a doubleheader against Marist on Saturday, September 18. The first pitch of the 2010 fall ball campaign will be thrown at 12 noon.
