Former D-I player to coach WU softball
The Waynesburg University softball team started off downhill last season, quickly dropping eight of its first nine games in the Rebel Spring Games in Kissimmee, Florida. That rough start led to a disappointing season for the Jackets, as they finished with an overall record of 10-22 and 6-12 in Presidents’ Athletic Conference play.
However, Waynesburg will take the field in 2015 with someone different at the helm of the team for the first time in six years.
Richele Hall, a native of Beaver County, Pennsylvania, was hired over the summer to take over the duties as head coach for the softball program after the resignation of Lou Giachetti following last season.
Giachetti, who also worked at SCI Greene jail, wanted more time with his rapidly growing family.
“He brought interest to the program,” said Athletic Director Larry Marshall. “He had some local ties to athletes, and they were able to come here and succeed.”
Waynesburg immediately began the search during the early summer months to fill the void left by Giachetti. After narrowing down the 14 applicants, the university decided on three to visit campus for an interview.
“We looked strongly at their qualifications,” said Marshall. “What they could bring or add to the program was one of the main reasons of figuring out who to hire.”
After a month, a decision was made to bring Hall into the Waynesburg family.
“She [Hall] has an excellent passion for softball,” said Marshall. “I think she will bring that in with her, and make the ladies start thinking the same way, and hopefully make the program better.”
Hall, who was a standout Division I player at Saint Francis University (Pennsylvania), started in 196 games throughout her collegiate career. After her playing days were over, Hall began her coaching career as a graduate assistant at Seton Hill University. Hall then accepted a job at Rhode Island as a full-time assistant, then spent her last few years as an assistant on the South Fayette High School softball team.
“My connections alone with different travel ball coaches have helped,” said Hall. “A lot of those connections and reaching out can lead to anything.”
With the position at Waynesburg only being part-time, Hall works in human resources and payroll for her grandfather’s commercial construction company. She also has experience in working with Team Pennsylvania Cyclones and the Pittsburgh Lady Roadrunners, which are traveling teams located in the Greater Allegheny area.
Marshall noted that another important reason that Hall was hired was her affiliation with those programs.
“For her to have insight on some of the top players in the Pittsburgh area is important to the recruiting process,” said Marshall.
Hall, who has never experienced the Division III level, got a few hints from one of her mentors, Craig Coleman, head softball coach at Robert Morris University.
“Never let a kid tell you no,” said Hall. “Because once a kid tells you no, they are never going to turn around and have the pride to tell you yes. Wait until their options are exhausted at the Division I and Division II levels, and when they realize that dream isn’t going to happen for them anymore, then go after them. That is how you get those kids who are great academically and athletically that fell through the cracks.”
As Waynesburg wraps up its fall schedule, Hall expects senior leadership to be at the forefront of a successful offseason this winter, as she plans to move closer to campus.
“My biggest thing that I want to get instilled into the girls is that I’m a huge advocate for hustle,” said Hall. “There is no walking at my practices, and you will leave every practice dirty. They are going to give me 110 percent, because I don’t expect anything less from them. Taking the easy road isn’t going to get them anywhere.”