SAN ANTONIO, Texas – Head softball coach, Joe DiPietro, has announced the finalization of his coaching staff for The University of the Incarnate Word.
 
"I'm extremely excited to announce the additions to our staff at UIW," said DiPietro. "I believe that in order for this program to become relevant in the Southland Conference, as well as regionally, I knew I needed to surround myself with quality coaches. We have that with the additions of Rachel Fox, Kaylyn Zierke and Bruce Lenington. These coaches have a passion to teach and have the right temperament to allow our players to flourish. Rachel brings a wealth of knowledge and playing experience. After graduating from Texas A&M, Rachel received her master's degree from Mississippi State University. She also plays professionally with the Scrap Yard Dawgs of the National Pro Fastpitch, where she won the Cowles Cup Ned! KZ [Zierke] played for me at Temple University and is pursuing her masters in finance. She will work with our catchers and our corner players. With Bruce, we have someone willing to come to UIW and volunteer his time to help us succeed. Bruce will be working with our outfielders along with other aspects of the game. I am very confident that I have surrounded these women with a great staff!"
 
Fox, a highly decorated athlete, will work with the Cardinal pitching staff. Fox spent two seasons as the Texas A&M Aggies' ace.  During her senior campaign, she tossed 182 strikeouts in 232 innings of work as the Aggies' Friday/Sunday starter, while recording a 3.14 ERA and a 23-14 record in 37 starts and 46 appearances, with four saves and six shutouts.  As a redshirt junior, Fox tossed 123 strikeouts in 158.1 innings of work with a 3.54 ERA and a 15-11 record in 30 starts and 34 appearances.  While in Aggieland, Fox led the Aggies to two NCAA Regional appearances in two seasons with the program. Fox finished her collegiate career with a 70-29 record, a 2.71 ERA, and 517 strikeouts.
 
KZ was an All-Atlantic 10 First Team Catcher and was team captain while at St. Joseph's University. She played at Temple with DiPietro until the program discontinued.
 
Lenington brings over 27 years of head coaching experience at the high school, NAIA, and national travel ball to UIW. In 2016, as an assistant coach at Lawrence Tech University, helped the Blue Devils reach the conference postseason tournament in their first year of existence. In 2001, he led the Southfield-Lathrup High School to four conference championships in seven seasons.
 
UIW Softball opens fall ball on Friday, October 6 at the UIW Softball Field. The Cardinals will play Frank Phillips at 10 a.m. and Hill College at 2 p.m.