PHILADELPHIA – Saint Joseph's Vice President and Director of Athletics Jill Bodensteiner has announced that Erin Brooks has stepped down as softball head coach, and Gina McCool has been elevated to head coach of the Hawks' softball program.

Over six seasons at the helm of the Hawks, Brooks led Saint Joseph's to an 124-133 overall mark, highlighted by an 80-56 record in Atlantic 10 play, four conference postseason appearances and the 2021 A-10 North Division title. Individually, Brooks helped guide numerous Hawks to success on the field and in the classroom. Under her direction, Saint Joseph's student-athletes earned 13 A-10 All-Conference honors and five All-District distinctions, while in the classroom, nine Hawks garnered A-10 All-Academic Team accolades.

"Erin Brooks is a tremendous softball coach and leader who cares deeply about the Saint Joseph's softball program and her student-athletes," said Bodensteiner. "As Erin leaves Hawk Hill to spend more time with her growing family, she can do so knowing that she made an incredibly positive impact on the St. Joe's softball program. We wish Erin and her family the very best; they will be missed."

McCool is coming off her fifth season as a member of Brooks' staff, and second year as associate head coach. During her tenure, McCool has helped Saint Joseph's continually rank among the conference's top offensive teams, while individually, Hawks have set new program records for home runs, doubles, and stolen bases.

"Among Coach Brooks' many achievements, her mentoring of Gina McCool stands out. Erin did everything she could to ensure that Gina was ready to be a head coach. Sport administrator Renie Shields and I have the utmost confidence in Gina's ability to lead the Hawks softball program with integrity and passion. Gina is an excellent teacher and communicator; she will continue to build on the positive momentum surrounding the St. Joe's softball program, and we look forward to her leadership on Hawk Hill for years to come."

"I want to thank Jill Bodensteiner and Renie Shields for this incredible opportunity to lead the softball program at Saint Joseph's," said McCool. "Most importantly, I want to show my gratitude to Erin Brooks, who has built the foundation for which our program will continue to cultivate excellence on and off the field. Erin's mentorship has been invaluable to my growth as a coach and leader; I am unbelievably honored and excited to continue the work we started five years ago. The future is bright on Hawk Hill. The Hawk Will Never Die!"

McCool came to Hawk Hill in 2018 after spending three seasons as an assistant at Army West Point and helping the Black Knights to a 101-69 record, while 14 student-athletes garnered All-Patriot League honors. Prior to her collegiate coaching career, McCool was a four-year standout at shortstop for Rider, earning Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference All-Academic honors three times. A native of Marlton, New Jersey, McCool graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor's degree in psychology.