After eight seasons with the University of Illinois at Chicago Flames, head softball coach Michelle Venturella is moving on to Washington University in St. Louis, UIC Athletic Director Jim Schmidt announced last week.
"We are pleased for Michelle that she can move closer to family and continue coaching," Schmidt said. "We thank her for her excellent work in carrying on the great tradition of championship softball at UIC. She has been a real professional in everything she has accomplished and will be missed."
During her tenure with the UIC Flames, Venturella led the team to four regular season championships, including back-to-back championships in 2015 and 2016, one tournament championship and one appearance at the NCAA Regional. Venturella was also honored as the Horizon League Coach of the Year three times.
"I want to thank Jim Schmidt for allowing me the opportunity to coach at UIC for the past eight seasons," Venturella said. "I loved having the chance to work with such great people who are dedicated to helping student-athletes both on and off the field. A special thank you to Denny Wills and Mike Gilmartin for being such great people who continue to work tirelessly for our student-athletes. I would also like to thank the administration, coaches, support staff, alumni, fans and, of course, the UIC softball team and their families for creating such memorable times here for me and my family. I will truly miss everyone."
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