Concordia Irvine Head Softball Coach Crystal Rosenthal announced today the promotion of Rose Imbriano to associate head coach.

"Rose is one of the best softball coaches in the country at any level and this promotion is long overdue," explained Rosenthal, "her ability to teach and motivate has been vital to the success of CUI Softball and her commitment to our student-athletes in all aspects of their lives makes her irreplaceable."

Imbriano completed her eighth year in 2016 and has been Rosenthal's top assistant from the beginning, helping turn Eagle Softball into a national power.  Imbriano is the pitching coach, and defensive coordinator she also as serves as the film and media specialist.  Since taking over the role of pitching coach, she has had 11 pitchers earn All-Conference honors, including two time GSAC Pitcher of the Year Katie Cotta.

"I am excited to continue to help this program continue to grow, I have been fortunate to coach some amazing student-athletes and feel honored to be a part of such a successful program and well respected institution," Imbriano said, "I work with an amazing staff and look forward to what we can do."

In 2013 her pitching staff led the nation in ERA (0.63) and strikeouts (445) and broke several program single season records.  Under her guidance in that same year, Katie Cotta was named NAIA Pitcher of the Year, helping to lead the Eagles to their first ever NAIA National Championship.  Imbriano helped bring the Eagle pitching staff into their first year in Division II 2016, coaching the Pac-West Pitcher, Newcomer of the Year, and All-Region selection Grayson Harvey and All Pac-West selection BethAnn McCann.

"What Rose brings to our program is not only her vast knowledge of all aspects of the game but a dynamic personality that helps everyone around her want to get better, and she has been key in identifying great athletes in the recruiting process"  Coach Rosenthal said, "her loyalty to me and the institution has been instrumental in growth of CUI softball and there is no one more deserving of this in our entire program."