Hawk Softball Retains John Shupe as Assistant Coach
Brian Savard, Sports Information Director
7/30/2010 3:12:25 PM
NEW PALTZ, N.Y. – John Shupe will return to the State University of New York at New Paltz softball program in 2011 as an assistant coach, as announced by the Department of Athletics, Wellness & Recreation.
Shupe will specifically be in charge of working with the defense and catchers. Beyond his on-the-field duties, he will be tasked with recruiting players from both Ulster and Dutchess counties. Shupe helped the Hawks enjoy one of their finest seasons in program history in 2010. New Paltz went 20-18 and earned a spot in the State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) Championship Tournament.
"I am very excited to have Coach Shupe returning to our staff this year, as he was such a positive force for the program in his first season last year,” head softball coach Denise Marchese said. “I am sure his expertise will be a tremendous asset with so many new players this year. In addition to overall assistance with daily operations, his working with the defense and specializing in training our catchers will make an impact on our performance. "
Shupe, who doubles as the assistant vice president for facilities management at New Paltz, has coached baseball and softball for more than 30 years. He began coaching Little League baseball in 1979, helming teams in both the Minors and the Majors in three different leagues between 1979 and 2001. From 2001 to the present, Shupe has coached softball, beginning with Little League softball in 2001 before eventually mentoring travel teams.
“I’m ecstatic to return to the coaching staff after an extremely successful season last year,” Shupe said. “It’s a great time to be involved with Hawk softball.”
Shupe graduated Cum Laude from Mount Saint Mary College with a Bachelor of Science in business administration. He also holds an Associate of Applied Science degree in electrical technology from Rockland Community College and owns an American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Q.R.O. certification and an Occupational Safety and Health Administration, G.I.S. & H. certification.