By Chris Graziano, Villanova Media Relations
On February 21, 2004, Villanova softball head coach Maria DiBernardi, in her 20th season, won her 500th game as a Division I head coach when the Wildcats defeated Samford, 2-1, in the Sonic Challenge in Chattanooga, Tenn. DiBernardi, whose career record stands at 506-350-7 (.591) as of March 12, talks about the things that went into becoming the 35th active coach to win 500 games.
When win no. 500 was officially in the books, what were your emotions?
"I can't really say that I had any strong feelings, it was the type of thing where everyone knew it would come sooner or later. I was more frustrated that we didn't win our first two games of the season (against Western Kentucky and Purdue), because I didn't think those teams were better than us. I was really anticipating getting number 500 last year, because it would have happened on my birthday in the Big East Tournament championship against Notre Dame. But this still is very special and has a lot of meaning. I'm glad it's over with though, because I think the kids were pressing a little bit."
What do you think your players were feeling as they tried to get your 500th?
"I think once it was done, they were absolutely thrilled, just really happy to be a part of it. This year's senior class was also here for my 400th win. Last year's seniors (Sara Carlson, Theresa Hornick and Kriste Romano) had such great careers, that it would've been nice for them to experience it."
Is this the best individual accomplishment that you have experienced?
"I would say that this is the second best thing I've experienced as the head coach of Villanova softball. Second behind the fact that we have taken this program to what it is today from absolutely nothing. In my first year here we played 16 games with slingshot pitchers. We played for 13 years without any scholarships. Now we have recruits from all over the country, and we have so many good seasons to look back on. So to have started from scratch and now to see the local and national recognition that we have, that is the biggest accomplishment."
What do you think was most important in helping you achieve this career milestone?
"Five hundred is a nice number, but this whole thing is about the kids who stuck with us over the last 20 years. We asked a whole lot of people to take a chance on Villanova and help me build this program, and they helped us see the light at the end of the tunnel. I'm talking about people like Brenda Roach and Kelly Sparks who came from California, and some others like Tina Sabunas and Bridget Baxter. The kids we get at Villanova are incredible. They are bright and easy to coach. I just can't put into words how I feel about these kids. They are just an incredible kind of student-athlete, good kids that I can trust. And of course this whole thing would never be possible without Linda (Goss) and if it weren't for the support that I have always received from my family, especially my mother and daughter. I am extremely thankful for that."
How important were associate head coach Linda Goss's contributions in helping you reach 500?
"This is absolutely a shared honor, it's her 500th too. Linda deserves as many accolades for this as me, because we are in this together. I couldn't have reached 200 wins without Linda. We work so well together. She is a mainstay of this program; I can't think of any coaches I know that have had a coach like Linda for 20 years. I had two long 10-22 seasons in the beginning, and if it weren't for Linda, I don't think I could've toughed it out. I just wasn't used to losing. She just kept telling me, 'Let's see this senior class through, we'll watch them graduate,' and now it's 20 years later. I knew what I wanted this program to be, but I didn't realize how much work had to go into building it."
What does it mean to accomplish this feat at Villanova?
"I love Villanova, and I have been affiliated with it for so long because my brother and sister both went here. There has been a winning tradition here since the 70's. Villanova may not have the best facilities, and the weather doesn't always cooperate, but it does have the greatest bunch of kids. I know that just because of the compliments I get about my players when we travel. It really is a special feeling to have success here, and it's something I never thought could happen. To be in the same company with coaches like Harry Perretta (current women's basketball coach) and George Bennett (former baseball coach) is great. Harry has done so much for women's sports."
Where do you see collegiate softball today?
"College softball has evolved to the point where there aren't any teams that we can just walk on the field and beat - there are no easy wins. You just have to take things one game at a time because softball is so competitive. The quality and caliber of players these days is just outstanding, and coaches in general are more knowledgeable. Also, the days are gone when someone can play two sports and still do well academically. Looking at it from my perspective, this is a great sport. It's grueling in that you play 60-70 games, which means there is such an incredible demand. It can almost be overwhelming with all of the travel teams and tournaments available. And that is especially true in the Big East Conference. With the addition of DePaul, Louisville and South Florida, this will be the fourth of fifth strongest conference in the country."
Were there any coaches that you looked up to when you were starting out, and now that you are an established head coach, do you see younger coaches looking up to you?
"There were definitely some coaches that I looked up to when I was starting out. Karen Mullins at Connecticut had a great program, the kind of program that I wanted. So I used to talk to her about things, and ever since we have been good friends. I feel like my role has changed an awful lot over the last five years. You reach a point in your career when you have internal satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment. You feel like you have the program where you want it. So now I'm always willing to let younger coaches pick my brain, and I love to give them assurances because I was once in their position. I always find myself looking for jobs for younger people or talking about recruits with them. I love the role of mentor."
If I were to ask your players what type of coach you are, what do you think they would tell me, and how has your style contributed to the success of the Villanova softball program?
"I don't see myself as a screamer. I'm quiet, and I like to teach rather than yell, which means being honest and pointing out both the good and bad. I do most of the work with the pitchers, mainly because I was a pitcher, and I take pride in calling the game. I think Linda and I compliment one another because I am more of a game coach and she is a good practice coach and a little more vocal than I am. At the same time, I think our upperclassmen have been so great, that there is sort of a trickle-down effect, and everyone knows the standard on this team. Mia Brickhouse is a former player who sticks out in my mind as a good leader. That kind of thing makes my job easier. Everyone just communicates so well, so we are all on the same page."
Shifting the focus to this year's team, what have you seen so far from the 2004 Wildcats?
"Our team this year is going to need to get good pitching to be successful. I thought we could have done a better job early on, but it will come. I think our team effort needs to improve most in the mental aspects of the game rather than the physical ones. Both offensively and defensively, we need to play smarter, and we need intensity every day. There are no easy wins and the losses are always tough."
Are you looking forward to wins 600, 700 and beyond?
"Each win has been special along the way, because of the time and energy that the players have put in for this program. I don't want to think about any more numbers like that. Our goal remains the same, and that is to receive an invitation to the NCAA Tournament."
