Steubenville, Ohio - The Franciscan Athletic Department is proud to announce that Daniella Pillar has been named Interim Head Softball Coach for the 2023-24 academic year. She served as an Assistant Coach during the 2023 season. Pillar will be the eighth Head Coach in program history. The New Jersey native was a member of the softball team in its early years of existence in NCAA Division III. 

"Coach Pillar is Franciscan through and through, and I have faith in her to lead our program," said Assistant Athletic Director Alexis Basil. "She is a very committed and driven person that has already proven her commitment to the university's mission and program over the years, and I know she will continue to do so in the future."

As well as her coaching duties, Pillar will continue her role as Engagement Coordinator for Parkhurst Dining on campus. She can be reached at dpillar@franciscan.edu

"I am both excited and blessed to have the opportunity to step into this position," said Coach Pillar. "With my passion for this sport and the mission of this University, I believe that I am able to make an impact on this program."

Pillar is a 2013 graduate of Franciscan with a degree in Communication Arts & Theology. The most memorable moment of her playing career was when she hit the first home run at home in program history with a solo shot against Oberlin in the 2011 season. The two-year catcher caught nine attempted stealers and batted .247 with seven doubles and the lone home run over the 2011 and 2012 seasons. She has also coached at the High School level with two years of coaching at her alma mater, Allentown High School in New Jersey.

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