Marist University Women's Softball

Ausanio won his 200th career game on April 16, 2016, and has led Marist to six consecutive winning seasons. In 2016, Ausanio led Marist to its most successful season in program history. The Red Foxes won a program-record 45 games, made their third NCAA appearance, and won their second MAAC regular-season championship. The Red Foxes had winning streaks of 17 and 10 games, and won 27 out of 28 games between March 22 and May 4. Marist set 12 team records and ranked in the top 20 nationally in four categories, including fourth in stolen bases. The Red Foxes had the MAAC's Pitcher of the Year (Jayne Oberdorf), Rookie of the Year (Claire Oberdorf), and Defensive Player of the Year (Kyrsten Van Natta) as Ausanio won his second MAAC Coach of the Year award. Claire Oberdorf made the National Fastpitch Coaches' Association Top 10 Freshman List. She, along with Jayne Oberdorf, were named NFCA First Team All-Region while Maureen Duddy and Kyrsten Van Natta earned Second Team All-Region honors. In 2015, Marist finished 28-26 overall and 11-9 in MAAC play, and closed the season with six straight wins. Melanie White was named MAAC Pitcher of the Year, while a total of five Red Foxes were named First or Second Team All-MAAC. In 2014, Ausanio led the Red Foxes to clinch the regular season MAAC title, as the team entered the Championships as the first seed. The Red Foxes finished the season with a 27-24 record, going 16-4 in the conference. Kyrsten Van Natta and Taylor Kuzma were named to the All-MAAC First Team, while Maureen Duddy and Janna Korak were named to the All-MAAC Second Team. Also, Haley Birnbaum, Aly Klemmer, Alyssa Zahka, Janine Lalli, Paige Lewis, Kyrsten Van Natta and Melanie White were named to the MAAC All-Academic Team. Under Ausanio in 2013, the Red Foxes captured the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) Tournament title. After advancing to the NCAA Tournament, the team fell to No. 1 seeded Oklahoma and Fordham in the first round. Marist finished the season 30-26 overall, and 10-6 in the conference. Freshman Nicole Cheek claimed Rookie of the Year for the MAAC, while Cheek and Danielle Koltz were named to the All- MAAC First Team and Alyssa Zahka and Emily Osterhaus were honored to the All-MAAC Second Team. Ten Red Foxes were also named to the All-MAAC Academic Team. 2012 saw Ausanio and the Red Foxes earn their second consecutive bid in the MAAC Tournament. After falling in the semifinals, Marist wrapped up its season with a 28-27 overall record and 9-7 mark in conference play, while placing five Red Foxes on All-MAAC teams. Senior Ashley Corriss and sophomore Alyssa Zahka led the group with First Team nods. For their prowess in the classroom, a league-high 11 Red Foxes were named to the MAAC All-Academic Team. For his success during 2011 season, Ausanio was named the MAAC Anaconda Sports Softball Coach of the Year. During the season, he led the team to a 33-22 record, including a 13-game winning streak from March 27 to April 16. The Red Foxes led the MAAC with 33 wins, 287 runs scored, 377 hits, 124 extra-base hits, 258 RBIs and a .377 on-base percentage. Two program record marks were also attained during the spring as 33 wins tied the 2006 and 1995 teams for the most victories. Of those wins, nine came of the run-rule variety, another program best. This is Ausanios second stint with the Red Foxes, as he was the programs pitching coach for the 2007 campaign. That year, Marist advanced to the championship round of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Tournament. Ausanio pitched for 10 years in professional baseball for five different organizations from 1988-1997. He was first drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the 30th round of the 1984 free agent draft. In 1988 he was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 11th round of the free agent draft. On June 12 of that year he signed with the Pirates and remained in the organization from 1988-1992. He then went to the Montreal Expos in 1993. In 1994 The New York Yankees selected Ausanio in the Rule 5 Major League Draft where he got the opportunity to pitch in the major leagues for two seasons. Ausanio played with teammates Don Mattingly, Wade Boggs, Bernie Williams, Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera before becoming a free agent following the 1995 season. Ausanio then signed with the New York Mets in 1996 before finishing his career with the Colorado Rockies in 1997. He holds a major league record of 4-1 with one save. All of Ausanios notable firsts came during his time with the New York Yankees. His first win came on July 16, 1994 after throwing two innings of scoreless relief against the Seattle Mariners. Other notable firsts for Ausanio include his first major league strikeout, Alex Rodriguez, and his first career save which came against the Detroit Tigers in 1995. The Yankees contacted Ausanio to throw knuckleball batting practice before facing ex-Boston Red Sox knuckleballer Tim Wakefield. Ausanio played with Wakefield while with the Pittsburgh Pirates organization from 1988 through 1992. Currently, Ausanio works for the Hudson Valley Renegades, of the Tampa Bay Rays minor league system where he serves as the Director of Baseball Communications. Ausanio attended Jacksonville University from 1984 through 1988 where he studied Physical Education and Recreation. Ausanio is the all time leader at Jacksonville in saves and appearances. Ausanio has two sons, Joey and Kevin. He resides in Marlboro, N.Y.   All-MAAC Accolades Under Ausanio Player of the Year (1): 2009 Melissa Giordano Pitcher of the Year (2): 2016 Jayne Oberdorf; 2015 Melanie White Rookie of the Year (3): 2016 Claire Oberdorf; 2013 Nicole Cheek; 2009 Nicole DiVirgilio (Co-Rookie) Defensive Player of the Year (1): 2016 Kyrsten Van Natta First Team (15): 2016 Jayne Oberdorf, Claire Oberdorf, Kyrsten Van Natta, Maureen Duddy; 2015 Melanie White; 2014 Kyrsten Van Natta, Taylor Kuzma; 2013 Danielle Koltz, Nicole Cheek; 2012 Alyssa Zahka, Ashley Corriss; 2011 Nicole DiVirgilio; 2009 Melissa Giordano, Jessica Green, Caitlin Carpentier Second Team (21): 2016 Janna Korak, Colleen McWilliams, Gabrielle Kelliher, Jessica Van Alphen; 2015 Maureen Duddy, Kyrsten Van Natta, Colleen McWilliams, Janine Lalli; 2014 Maureen Duddy, Janna Korak; 2013 Alyssa Zahka, Emily Osterhaus; 2012 Megan Lamoureux, Nicole DiVirgilio, Danielle Koltz; 2011 Megan Lamoureux, Ashley Corriss, Sarah Carmody, Emily Osterhaus; 2010 Nicole DiVirgilio; 2009 Nicole DiVirgilio All-Rookie Team (6): 2016 Claire Oberdorf, Megan Beiermeister, Brandi Coon, Casey Page; 2015 Gabrielle Kelliher, Samantha Reilly All-Academic Team (57): 2016 Gabrielle Kelliher, Janna Korak, Kyrsten Van Natta, Jayne Oberdorf, Brittany Colombo, Kourtney Paul, Miranda Perez; 2015 Janine Lalli, Jayne Oberdorf, Kyrsten Van Natta, Melanie White; 2014 Haley Birnbaum, Aly Klemmer, Janine Lalli, Paige Lewis, Kyrsten Van Natta, Melanie White, Alyssa Zahka; 2013 Haley Birnbaum, Sarah Carmody, Aly Klemmer, Janine Lalli, Christina Lausch, Paige Lewis, Emily Osterhaus, Melanie White, Alyssa Zahka, Joelle Zahka; 2012 Haley Birnbaum, Sarah Carmody, Ashley Corriss, Lindsay Durant, Aly Klemmer, Christina Lausch, Paige Lewis, Emily Osterhaus, Nicole Van Loan, Alyssa Zahka, Joelle Zahka; 2011 Sarah Carmody, Ashley Corriss, Lindsay Durant, Caitlin Schell, Joelle Zahka; 2010 McCallion Campbell, Lindsay Durant, Kate Molloy, Caitlin Schell, Alanna Woody; 2009 McCallion Campbell, Caitlin Carpentier, Melissa Giordano, Kate Molloy, Mary Beth Pomes, Heather Viola, Alanna Woody, Heather Young

Joe Ausanio is in his 18th season as head coach of the Marist softball program in 2026. A former Major League Baseball player, Ausanio has transformed the Red Foxes into a consistent winner while his student-athletes have earned numerous accolades on the playing field and in the classroom. The Red Foxes are coming off their best season in program history in 2025. Ausanio led the NFCA Northeast Region Coaching Staff of the Year along with assistant coaches Kristin Erb and Alyssa Grupp. The Red Foxes won a program-record 48 games, won both the MAAC regular-season and tournament championships, and earned their first NCAA Regional victory in program history.    Marist Highlights Team has made four NCAA Regional appearances (2013, 2016, 2023, 2025). Five MAAC regular-season championships (2014, 2016, 2019, 2024, 2025). One NCAA Regional victory (2025). Five-time MAAC Coach of the Year (2011, 2016, 2019, 2024, 2025). Named to MAAC 40th Anniversary Team as one of three head coaches. 2025 team set program record with 48 wins. Team had seven straight winning seasons from 2011-17. Is winningest coach (479 wins through 2025) and longest-tenured (17 years through 2025) in program history. Previously had served as the program’s pitching coach in 2007. The 2026  season marks his 19th overall with the program. MAAC Awards MAAC Student-Athlete of the Year (1): 2025 - Kiley Myers. Player of the Year (4): 2025 - Miah McDonald, 2024 - Miah McDonald, 2023 - Maddie Pleasants, 2009 – Melissa Giordano. Pitcher of the Year (4): 2025 - Maddie Pleasants, 2024 - Kiley Myers (Co-Pitcher), 2016 – Jayne Oberdorf, 2015 – Melanie White. Rookie of the Year (9): 2024 - Anna Sidlowski, 2023 - Haley Ahr, 2022 - Maddie Pleasants (Co-Rookie), 2019 - Calista Phippen (Co-Rookie), 2018 - Caroline Baratta, 2016 – Claire Oberdorf, 2013 – Nicole Cheek, 2009 – Nicole DiVirgilio (Co-Rookie). Defensive Player of the Year (5): 2024 - Haley Ahr, 2022 - Caroline Baratta, 2021 - Caroline Baratta, 2018 - Brittany Colombo, 2016 – Kyrsten Van Natta. First Team All-MAAC selections (39): 2025 - Haley Ahr, Miah McDonald, Kiley Myers, Peyton Pusey; 2024 - Haley Ahr, Alyssa Grupp, Miah McDonald, Kiley Myers, Maddie Pleasants, Peyton Pusey; 2023 - Haley Ahr, Maddie Pleasants; 2022 - Caroline Baratta, Miah McDonald; 2021 - Caroline Baratta, Kaley Coltrain; 2019 - Caroline Baratta, Ali Milam, Calista Phippen; 2018 - Caroline Baratta, Ali Milam; 2017 – Rebecca Freeman, Janna Korak, Kourtney Paul; 2016 – Jayne Oberdorf, Claire Oberdorf, Kyrsten Van Natta, Maureen Duddy; 2015 – Melanie White; 2014 – Kyrsten Van Natta, Taylor Kuzma; 2013 – Danielle Koltz, Nicole Cheek; 2012 – Alyssa Zahka, Ashley Corriss; 2011 – Nicole DiVirgilio; 2009 – Melissa Giordano, Jessica Green, Caitlin Carpentier. Second Team All-MAAC selections (38): 2025 - Sienna Kunze, Maddie Pleasants, Samantha Rogers; 2023 - Sam Freeland, Peyton Pusey, Kiley Myers; 2022 - Alyssa Grupp, Calista Phippen, Shea Walsh; 2021 - Ali Milam, Calista Phippen; 2019 - Kaley Coltrain, Brandi Coon, Claire Oberdorf; 2018 - Claire Oberdorf; 2017 – Brandi Coon, Gabrielle Kelliher; 2016 – Janna Korak, Colleen McWilliams, Gabrielle Kelliher, Jessica Van Alphen; 2015 – Maureen Duddy, Kyrsten Van Natta, Colleen McWilliams, Janine Lalli; 2014 – Maureen Duddy, Janna Korak; 2013 – Alyssa Zahka, Emily Osterhaus; 2012 – Megan Lamoureux, Nicole DiVirgilio, Danielle Koltz; 2011 – Megan Lamoureux, Ashley Corriss, Sarah Carmody, Emily Osterhaus; 2010 – Nicole DiVirgilio; 2009 – Nicole DiVirgilio. All-MAAC Rookie selections (16): 2025 - Sienna Kunze; 2024 - Samantha Rogers, Anna Sidlowski; 2023 - Haley Ahr, Peyton Pusey; 2022 - Maddie Pleasants, 2021 - Miah McDonald; 2019 - Calista Phippen, Kaley Coltrain; 2018 - Caroline Baratta; 2016 – Claire Oberdorf, Megan Beiermeister, Brandi Coon, Casey Page; 2015 – Gabrielle Kelliher, Samantha Reilly.   NFCA Awards Earned NFCA Northeast Region Coaching Staff of the Year in 2025. Calista Phippen named to Top 25 NFCA Freshman list in 2019. Claire Oberdorf named to Top 10 NFCA Freshman list in 2016. NFCA All-Region selections (28): 2025 - 2024 - Haley Ahr (First Team), Peyton Pusey (First Team), Alyssa Grupp (Second Team), Miah McDonald (Second Team), Maddie Pleasants (Second Team), Kiley Myers (Third Team); 2023 - Haley Ahr (Second Team), Kiley Myers (Second Team), Maddie Pleasants (Second Team), Peyton Pusey (Second Team), Sam Freeland (Third Team); 2019 - Calista Phippen (Second Team), Ali Milam (Second Team), Kaley Coltrain (Third Team); 2018 - Ali Milam (Second Team); 2017 – Janna Korak (First Team), Brandi Coon (Second Team), Gabrielle Kelliher (Second Team); 2016 – Claire Oberdorf (First Team), Jayne Oberdorf (First Team), Maureen Duddy (Second Team), Kyrsten Van Natta (Second Team); 2009 – Melissa Giordano (First Team).   Academic Success Academic All-American selections (4): 2025 - Miah McDonald (First Team), Haley Ahr (Second Team); 2017 – Gabrielle Kelliher (Second Team); 2009 – Melissa Giordano (Third Team). CSC/CoSIDA Academic All-District Team selections (29): 2025 - Haley Ahr, Miah McDonald, Kiley Myers, Peyton Pusey, Samantha Rogers; 2024 - Haley Ahr; Alyssa Grupp, Miah McDonald, Kiley Myers, Peyton Pusey; 2023 - Alyssa Grupp, Kaitlyn Husic, Kiley Myers, Calista Phippen, Shea Walsh; 2022 - Caroline Baratta, Calista Phippen, Shea Walsh; 2021 - Caroline Baratta, Shea Walsh; 2019 - Brandi Coon (First Team); 2018 - Brandi Coon (First Team); 2017 – Brandi Coon (First Team), Gabrielle Kelliher (First Team); 2016 – Gabrielle Kelliher (First Team), Kyrsten Van Natta (First Team); 2012 – Sarah Carmody (First Team); 2011 – Sarah Carmody (Second Team); 2009 – Melissa Giordano (First Team). 164 MAAC All-Academic Team selections.  Baseball Playing Career Pitched in the Major Leagues in 1994 and 1995 as a reliever for the New York Yankees. Appeared in 41 career games with a 4-1 record and one save. His first Major League strikeout occurred against Alex Rodriguez. Teammates included Wade Boggs, Derek Jeter, Don Mattingly, Mariano Rivera, and Bernie Williams. Pitched professionally from 1988 through 1997. In addition to the Yankees, he also pitched in the organizations of the Pittsburgh Pirates, Montreal Expos, New York Mets, and Colorado Rockies. Following retirement, was invited to Yankees’ batting practice to throw a knuckleball when the team was preparing to face knuckleballer Tim Wakefield of the Boston Red Sox. Was drafted twice – by the Atlanta Braves (1984, 30th round) and Pittsburgh Pirates (1988, 11th round). Played collegiately at Jacksonville (1985-88). Graduated as the program’s all-time leader in saves and appearances.   Career Record Year Overall MAAC Notes 2025 48-9-1 21-2-1 MAAC Regular Season & Tournament Champions 2024 36-19 17-6 MAAC Regular Season Champions 2023 29-30 12-8 MAAC Tournament Champions 2022         25-30 11-9 2021         15-12         12-10 2020         10-9 Season cut short due to COVID-19. 2019 35-22 16-4 MAAC Regular Season Champions 2018 27-32 9-11 2017 37-22 13-7 2016 45-13 16-4 MAAC Regular Season & Tournament Champions 2015 28-26 11-9 2014 27-24 16-4 MAAC Regular Season Champions 2013 30-26 10-6 MAAC Tournament Champions 2012 28-27 9-7 2011 33-22 12-4 2010 10-35 4-12 2009 16-33 9-7 Total 479-391-1 (.550) 198-110-1 (.642)   Personal Earned a B.S. from Jacksonville University in Kinesiology. Native of Kingston, NY. Joe and his wife, Caroline, reside in New Windsor, NY. Together, they have four children: Joey, Kevin, Michael, and Christina.

Anthony Randall became the head coach of the men's and women's swimming programs on June 25th, 2021. Randall arrives to Marist with over a decade of coaching experience at the Division I level, and took over both programs following Larry VanWagner’s retirement.   “I am very pleased to have Anthony join our coaching staff,” said Director of Athletics Tim Murray at the time of his hire. “I am confident in his recruiting and coaching background, and that he will continue to build on the great traditions and successes of our former coach, Larry VanWagner.”   Randall earned his first head coaching opportunity following five years at Fresno State, where he served as an assistant coach for three seasons before a promotion to associate head coach in September of 2019. In his recent role, he continued to lead the team’s recruiting strategies while gaining additional responsibilities to oversee training, budgeting, and scholarships. His relationship-building with coaches and club teams led to the commitment of seven of the highest-ranking California recruits in school history.   During his tenure, the Bulldogs broke 26 school records, and recorded the top two finishes at the Mountain West conference championships in school history in 2017 and 2018. Fresno State has improved its point total in the conference championships in every season since Randall’s arrival, culminating in a program-best 829 points in 2021. Academically, Randall helped guide the Bulldogs to two CSCAA Academic All-American Team honors as well as the highest semester grade-point average in team history.   “I am thankful to Tim Murray and the Marist College administration for giving me the opportunity to lead the storied men’s and women’s swimming programs,” said Randall of his hire. “Coach VanWagner created a terrific foundation of athletic and academic success. I am looking forward to building on that excellence and nurturing the winning culture here in Poughkeepsie.”   Before his time at Fresno State, Randall was the associate head coach for his alma mater, Rhode Island, from 2011 to 2016. He developed training programs that produced 36 total varsity records.   In his first season, URI recorded its first pool record by a varsity swimmer and the highest finish at the A-10 conference championships in school history. In 2014-15, the Rams notched their highest point total in school history at the conference championships, and sent their first three swimmers to the U.S. National Meet. Randall also executed a recruiting strategy that brought four Winter National Qualifiers to Kingston, RI, as well as the school’s second-ever NCAA “B” cut and first conference pool record in 2012-13.   Prior to assisting the varsity program at URI, Randall was the head men’s club swimming coach from 2010 to 2011. Under his guidance, five school records shattered, including former Division I records, and Rhode Island was the 2011 National Club Champions in the club’s first undefeated regular season. Two athletes were National Club Individual Champions, and there was a total of 38 top-16 finishes at the National Club Championships.   In Randall’s coaching career, he was a recipient of the CSCAA Jean Freeman Award for Assistant Coaches in 2014, which is awarded annually to six collegiate assistant coaches whose exceptional contributions have brought recognition to their institution, and whose leadership, integrity, honesty, competitive attitude and personal graciousness epitomize those characteristics reflected by Jean Freeman, the first woman to become a full-time Division I head coach. Randall was also named the Sullivan North Conference and Runner-Up Rhode Island Women’s Coach of the Year in 2007-08.   Randall graduated from Rhode Island in 2008 with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism/Public Relations. A four-year varsity letter winner for the Rams, he was an A-10 finalist in all four years of his career. He was a top-five performer in the 50 and 100 Freestyle, while also competing in the 200 and 400 Free and Medley Relays. In 2007, he served as a tri-captain.   A native of Harrisburg, PA, Randall is married to his wife, Corrie. They have one son, Janai.   The Marist men’s and women’s swimming and diving programs are among the most successful in the Marist annals. Both programs have combined for 36 conference championships, including 30 in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC). The women’s program has a school-best 18 MAAC titles, including the Red Foxes’ 100th MAAC Championship in 2014.  

Alyssa Grupp is in her second season as assistant softball coach at Marist in 2026. She was elevated to the top assistant coach position in fall of 2025 after serving as a graduate assistant coach in 2025. In her first season in 2025, Grupp was part of the NFCA Northeast Region Coaching Staff of the Year along with head coach Joe Ausanio and assistant coach Kristin Erb as Marist enjoyed its best season in program history. The Red Foxes won a program-record 48 games, won both the MAAC regular-season and tournament championships, and earned their first NCAA Regional victory in program history.    Grupp joined the Marist coaching staff after an outstanding collegiate playing career for the Red Foxes from 2021-24, She hit .335 with 80 runs scored, 53 runs batted in, and 41 stolen bases while seeing time at second base, third base, and left field. She was named First Team All-MAAC as a senior in 2024, and she was a key part of Marist’s MAAC championship team in 2023. Grupp was named to the MAAC All-Championship Team in both 2022 and 2023. She was a Second Team All-MAAC selection in 2022, and she was named to the Preseason All-MAAC Team in 2023. Grupp, who majored in Communication as an undergraduate, earned her Bachelor’s Degree in May of 2024. She was named College Sports Communicators Academic All-District each of the last two years, and she was a MAAC All-Academic Team selection for the past three years. Grupp is pursuing her Master’s degree in Integrated Marketing Communication.    

Julianne Bolton is in her first season as an assistant coach on Joe Ausanio’s staff at Marist in the 2026 season.   Bolton is a 2025 graduate of UMass, where she was a pitcher from 2022-25. She finished her career ranked in the program’s top 10 all-time in strikeouts, strikeouts per seven innings, appearances, starts, and innings pitched. Bolton was named to the Atlantic 10 All-Rookie Team in 2022.   Bolton is a native of Clarence Center, New York and a graduate of Clarence High School. She was an All-Western New York Pitcher and Player of the Year, and she was a First Team All-New York selection in high school.          

Kyle O'Neil recently is now in his 26th season as an assistant coach for the Marist Men's and Women's Swimming and Diving team. A graduate of Arlington High School, O'Neil has been a part of the Marist swimming and diving program since 1987, when he began his career with the Marist Swim Club. In 1992, he qualified for the U.S. Senior Nationals as part of the 400-meter medley relay team. The record qualifying time is a Marist Swim Club record that still stands. O'Neil, a 1996 graduate of Marist and former record holder in the 500-yard freestyle, was a member of Marist's 1995 undefeated team that won the Metropolitan Championship. O'Neil also helped Marist to the school's first ever MAAC Championship in 1996. He was also a three year qualifier in the 100, 200 and 500-yard freestyle events. A native of Poughkeepsie, N.Y., O'Neil currently resides in his hometown.

Billesimo was announced as an assistant coach of Marist's swimming and diving program in August 2012. The Red Foxes first-ever women's coach, Billesimo rejoined the Marist coaching staff after stops in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Billesimo started his association with the college in 1977 as an age group coach for the Marist Swim Club. In 1983, he was given the reigns of the collegiate women's team. The highlight of his four years in charge was finishing runner-up in the Metropolitan Swim Conference. Billesimo then moved on to New Jersey, where he was the head coach of Montclair State University. While there, his women's team secured top 20 finishes at the NCAA Women's Division III Championships. Outside of college athletics, he was the Director/Head Coach of the Montclair Aquatic Club for six years from 1987-1993. During his tenure at both Marist and Montclair state, he was the vice president at the Women's Metropolitan Swimming Conference.  Beginning in 1995, he became the Associate Head Coach of the Atlantis Aquatic Club in Bethlehem, Pa. During his eight years, he saw six members qualify for the Olympic Trials, including one finishing fourth in the 2000 Trials for the 200-yard butterfly. Billesimo also had four of his swimmers post times to rank in the top 100 of the world. With his success at Atlantis, he moved back into the collegiate ranks in Bethlehem as a volunteer assistant/stroke clinician at Lehigh University. He served on the Mountain Hawks' staff for six years before returning to the Hudson Valley as the coach of the Senior Squad of the Red Fox Aquatic Club.