PennWest California announced Monday that long-time softball head coach Rick Bertagnolli has retired, effective immediately, ending a more than 30 year run. The Vulcans won 972 games under Bertagnolli’s leadership (972-389, .714), including back-to-back national championships in 1997-1998. Cal U made 21 NCAA Tournament appearances, won six regional championships and seven PSAC titles. “Rick Bertagnolli built a legacy in the softball program as one of the most dominating teams within the PSAC each year and a national powerhouse in the sport. He built champions on the field while stressing academic success in the classroom,” California Athletic Director Dr. Karen Hjerpe was quoted in the release. “He was a true teacher of the game and developed the skills of the players in his program. His passion for the sport showed in the countless hours of dedication to his team.”
The University announced that assistant coach Nikki Yanchak will serve as interim head coach for the upcoming season, due to begin Feb. 25, and that a nationwide search for Bertagnolli’s replacement will begin in the coming months. (Photo, courtesy of PennWest California website)