AIC softball coach set to retire

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - The upcoming softball season will mark the 43rd and final season as head softball coach at American International College for Judy Groff, who will retire at the conclusion of the 2011 campaign.

“Over the past 40-plus years, I have thoroughly enjoyed and found it professionally rewarding to be a part of the growth and development of the athletics program at the College, particularly in the growth of women's sports,” said Groff. “I truly appreciate the opportunities and support provided over the years.”

Groff, who was inducted into the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) Hall of Fame November 30, 2007, is the only coach to guide the Yellow Jackets program since it was founded in 1969. Since that time she has compiled an overall record of 953-611-5 (.609) with 32 winning seasons in 42 years on the bench.

In terms of where she ranks among her peers, Groff is fourth on the active Division II wins list, seventh on the all-time Division II wins list, ranks 21st on the NCAA career victories list - which includes all Division I, II and III coaches.

She also had another honor rarely bestowed upon an active coach given to her on April 29, 2006 when AIC renamed the school's softball field the "Coach Judy Groff Softball Field". In 1999, Groff was inducted into the National Association of Girl's and Women's Sports Hall of Fame.

Groff has guided the program to 14 NCAA Championship Tournament appearances, including a run of 10 appearances in 11 years from 1993-2003, and led the Yellow Jackets to the Division II College World Series in 1996 and 1997. AIC also captured eight Northeast-10 regular season titles (1985-90, 1994, 1997), three NE-10 tournament championships (1987, 1996, 2003) and three ECAC Division II championships (1986, 1988, 1991).

“Judy's impact has reached far beyond the softball field during her time at AIC,” added director of athletics Richard Bedard. “She has impacted many lives as a successful and respected coach, teacher, administrator, counselor, mentor, and friend, and will be missed by all of us at the College. We wish her the best of luck in her future endeavors.”

Groff earned her 950th career win with a 2-1 victory over Stonehill College in the opening round of the 2010 Northeast-10 Championship Tournament. The sixth-seeded Yellow Jackets advanced through the losers bracket to the tournament championship final, marking the eighth time in program history that AIC played for the conference tournament title. Career win No. 900 was a 4-3 game-two win over Bentley University April 26, 2008.

Groff earned her 800th career win in 2003 on her home field as the Yellow Jacket captured a 3-2 victory over Le Moyne on April 23. She recorded her 700th career victory in 2000 as the Yellow Jackets posted a 5-2 win over Bryant College in nine innings. In 1999, she coached her 1,000th career game, against Saint Leo University, at the Columbus State Invitational on March 19.

Groff was recognized by the National Softball Coaches Association (NSCA) when she was honored at the 1994 National Coaches Convention for winning her 500th game on April 9, 1994. She picked up the Easton Victory Club Award, recognizing her 600th career win at St. Michael's College on April 12, 1997.

Groff is an eight-time NE-10 Coach of the Year and has garnered the Northeast Regional Coach of the Year award four times. She was inducted into the Connecticut Scholastic and Collegiate Softball Hall of Fame, and the Women's Hall of Fame – Northeast New Agenda in 2003. Groff served on the NCAA Regional Committee for 18 seasons and was also on the NFCA Nominating Committee.

Groff also serves as an assistant director of athletics at the College and is the department's senior woman administrator. In addition, she compiled a 274-171 (.609) record as the head coach of the women's volleyball program at AIC from 1974-88, which she also founded. Her 274 wins remain the most by a head coach in program history.

A national search for a new head softball coach will begin immediately.