RIVERDALE, N.Y. - Manhattan College has named Bridget Hurlman as its next head softball coach, Interim Athletics Director, Irma Garcia announced on Monday.
Hurlman arrives in Riverdale after serving as the head softball coach at the University of Rhode Island from 2016-21. While at URI, Hurlman coached two Atlantic 10 All-Conference selections, five All-Rookie picks, and two Academic All-Conference honorees. Her players have also earned 12 weekly conference honors. In 2019, Rhode Island increased its win total for the second straight season, winning 17 games - the most games in seven seasons. The team also set single-season program records in home runs (33), slugging percentage (.398), on-base percentage (.341), and team batting average (.260) was Rhody's highest since 1997, and the fifth highest in program history that season.
"We are very pleased to welcome back Coach Hurlman to Manhattan College," said Garcia. "Her passion for softball and her experience as a Jasper stood out to us. Everyone speaks of Bridget's work ethic, commitment, and drive to improve the game of softball and to develop student-athletes. I can't wait to see what the future holds for Manhattan College Softball."
Before URI, Hurlman spent six seasons as an assistant coach at Manhattan College. She served as the recruiting coordinator and hitting coach under former head coach Tom Pardalis. While with the Jaspers, from 2009-15, Manhattan was 59-45 in Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) play, finishing .500 or better in league play in five out of six seasons. In her final year on staff, Manhattan was 26-20 overall and 13-7 in MAAC games.
"I am thrilled to be back with my Jasper Family as the next head coach of Manhattan College Softball," Hurlman expressed. "I want to thank Athletic Director Irma Garcia and the search committee for believing in me. I feel truly blessed to be a part of the next chapter in Jasper Athletics and Manhattan College under President Riverso. I am looking forward to hitting the ground running on campus in Riverdale and am eager to begin working with the team. As a servant leader, I plan to achieve some amazing things with this group and vow to continue cultivating championship culture on the softball field, in the classroom, and within the college and surrounding community. Go Jaspers!"
With Hurlman serving as the team's hitting coach, Manhattan led the MAAC in slugging percentage, doubles, home runs and walks, and was second in runs batted in and on-base percentage. She also worked with the team's pitchers, helping the unit post a 3.50 earned run average in 2015, which ranked second in the MAAC. Hurlman mentored Amy Bright, who earned First Team All-MAAC honors.
During her time at Manhattan, Hurlman coached six All-MAAC First Team selections and three All-MAAC Second Team honorees. She recruited 2015 MAAC Player of the Year Elena Bowman, as well as 2015 All-Rookie Team pitcher Briana Matazinsky, who was 9-7 with a 3.91 ERA while also batting .276 with six home runs.
Being successful off the field was just as important as being successful on the field. In 2014, the Jaspers competed in the MAAC championship game and posted a cumulative team grade-point average of 3.40. Then senior Kate Bowen was Manhattan's 2014 Undergraduate Valedictorian, a Capital One Academic All-America Third Team selection, a two-time First Team All-MAAC selection and a 2012 NFCA First Team All-Region pick.
Hurlman began her coaching career as an assistant at SUNY Purchase in 2007, where she worked primarily with the pitchers and catchers.
Hurlman played softball at Marist, where she was a two-time All-MAAC selection and three-time MAAC All-Academic honoree during her playing career. Hurlman graduated cum laude from Marist in 2006 and received a master's degree in sports management from St. John's in May 2012.
What Are They Saying…
"I have known Coach Hurlman for over two decades. She is a person of great character who has played and coached softball at the highest level. She's a top-notch recruiter with a good eye for talent. She has a great personality and is very familiar with the Riverdale area. She knows what it takes to be successful in the MAAC and the Jasper way." - Tom Pardalis, former Manhattan College Head Softball Coach
"Congratulations to Manhattan College on hiring a quality coach and an even better person! Bridget's familiarity and previous success with the MAAC conference, institution, and program will allow for a smooth transition. She has a national recruiting network and her knowledge and passion for the game will lead the way for future success. All the best to Bridget and the Jaspers." - Melissa Inouye, Fordham University Head Softball Coach
"I am very excited that Bridget Hurlman will be returning to Gaelic Park to be the next Head Coach of the Manhattan College Softball program. Having played under Coach Hurlman, I experienced firsthand her tireless work ethic and passion for the game. Her positive influence both on and off the field greatly impacted the program. I am excited to watch her make her mark as the Head Coach of the Jasper program!" - Kate Bowen, Diane L. Potter '57 Head Softball Coach at Springfield College, 2014 Manhattan College Valedictorian and Alumnus
