CAMDEN, N.J. (August 31, 2017) – Meredith McCarthy is very familiar with the New Jersey Athletic Conference softball scene as a long-time assistant coach at NJAC power Rowan University.
McCarthy will remain in the NJAC next season, but she will be leading her own program after being hired as the head coach at Rutgers University-Camden. She takes over a program that posted a 13-23 record last season, but has a strong softball history that includes the 2006 NCAA Division III national title.
"The NJAC is arguably the best conference in the country at this level," said McCarthy, who is looking to return Rutgers-Camden to its past history of softball dominance. "There's definitely talent here and a lot of room to grow in a positive direction. It's going to take a lot of work and a lot of dedication to get where we want to go. There's room for a lot of growth here. There's a lot of potential."
McCarthy served as an assistant coach at Rowan for five seasons. During that time, Rowan captured two NJAC tournament titles, three regular-season NJAC championships, reached the NCAA tournament each year and consistently ranked among the nation's top Division III teams. The Profs won two NCAA Regional championships, one NCAA Super Regional championship and earned one NCAA national championship tournament berth during that span.
"We are very excited to have Meredith join our staff here at Rutgers-Camden," said Jeffrey Dean, the Director of Athletics and Recreational Services. "She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience from one of the most competitive Division 3 programs in the state and the nation, and we are looking forward to having her guide our program."
The head softball coach of the South Jersey Gators Futures program since 2013, McCarthy also has served as an assistant coach at her high school alma mater, Bishop Eustace Prep, from 2010-2012. During her scholastic days at Bishop Eustace (2005-2008), she was a team captain and earned Second Team All-Conference and Camden County All-Star recognition.
McCarthy played for the South Jersey Bandits softball team from 1998-2006 and for the New Jersey Inferno program from 2006-2008.
"It's been a long road to get here," said McCarthy, who becomes the ninth head coach in the history of the Rutgers-Camden softball program, which started in 1979. "I've been very blessed with every opportunity I had at Rowan and with other teams. I've learned a lot from every player and coach. I'm very excited."
A 2013 graduate of Rowan University, McCarthy received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Relations, while earning a minor in Advertising. She lives in Cherry Hill.
