WASHINGTON – George Washington Director of Athletics and Recreation Patrick Nero has named James DeFeo head coach of GW’s softball program.
“James has experienced success coaching at the highest level of college softball,” said Nero. “We are excited to bring his knowledge to GW, and we are confident that James will build our program into one of the top competitors in the Atlantic 10.”
“It is an absolute honor and privilege to be the head coach at George Washington,” said DeFeo. “I’d like to thank Patrick, Chandra Bierwirth, Tanya Vogel and everyone in the GW Athletics Department for everything they have done for me and my family and for making us feel so welcomed.”
James DeFeo comes to GW after serving as head coach at Mercer for six seasons, where he posted a 147-134 record. DeFeo led the Bears to back-to-back conference championship game appearances in 2014 and 2015 – marking the first such accomplishment in program history. DeFeo helped the Bears transition into the Southern Conference in 2015 from the Atlantic Sun Conference. In 2016, DeFeo led Mercer to the Southern Conference Tournament semifinals.
During his tenure at Mercer, DeFeo coached an NFCA Academic All-American, the 2015 Southern Conference Pitcher of the Year, a 2015 Capital One All-District player, 18 All-Conference players and three NFCA All-Region selections.
“James exhibits the qualities that we were looking for in our next head coach,” said Associate Athletics Director Chandra Bierwirth. “His commitment to excellence both on the field and in the classroom made him a perfect fit for GW, and we are excited to watch him grow our program.”
While at Mercer, DeFeo set new team program bests for regular-season victories, conference wins, hits, runs, home runs, batting average and on-base percentage among others. DeFeo also led the Bears to back-to-back 37-win seasons for the first time in program history.
Prior to his stint at Mercer, James DeFeo served as associate head coach at Louisiana State University from 2004-2011. DeFeo helped LSU finish third at the 2001 and 2004 NCAA Women’s College World Series while being named a member of the NFCA National Coaching Staff of the Year in 2001. DeFeo brings a wealth of national success to GW, reaching NCAA Regionals 10 times and claiming regional championships on four occasions.
GW’s squad qualified for the A-10 Championship as the sixth seed in 2016 and is set to return 12 letterwinners and welcome seven freshmen for 2016-17. DeFeo will serve as the sixth head coach in program history.
“The first time that I stepped on the GW campus, I knew I was at a special place,” said DeFeo. “With GW’s standard of excellence in the classroom and their unparalleled commitment to the athletic programs, I see great things happening here. I look forward to being part of this process and bringing GW softball to new levels of success.”
