DAYTON - University of Dayton softball head coach Cara LaPlaca has announced the addition of Francesca Carrullo to her staff as assistant coach for the upcoming 2018 season.

"I am pleased to introduce Francesca as the newest member of our coaching staff," said LaPlaca. "The combination of her energy, technical skills and experience competing at the highest levels will help accelerate the momentum our program has generated the last several years. Her ability to quickly develop a rapport with student-athletes will ease her transition and allow her have an immediate impact."

Carrullo was a four-year member of the St. John's softball team and capped off her tenure with the Red Storm by posting a 12-5 record, including the victory that clinched the program's first-ever Big East Championship, as a right-handed pitcher in 2015. Following the tournament win, the squad made the program's first NCAA appearance, playing at Arizona. The four-time member of the Big East All-Academic Team completed a post-graduate degree in sports management, also at St. John's, in December of 2016.

"I am absolutely thrilled to be a part of such a great program," commented Carrullo. "I love coach LaPlaca's philosophy and style of coaching along with the legacy she's made as head coach. I look forward to bringing my experience, knowledge and energy to this team. The athletic department and staff are very supportive of one another, creating a contagious winning environment. I am so grateful to get to work alongside an amazing group of people and to be a Flyer!"

During her time at St. John's, Carrullo also served as a student intern in the Athletics Communication office and as a graduate assistant in the athletics Academic Advising office. She was most recently a co-owner at High Velocity Fast Pitch in Warminster, Pennsylvania, since December 2011. Carrullo provides instruction and development of pitchers ranging from beginners to elite.