|
Joe Verbanic enters his fifth year as the head coach of George Mason softball. Verbanic brings with him more than 20 years combined coaching experience at both the collegiate and high school levels. Most recently, Verbanic was at Alta Vista High School (1986-2004) where he taught several courses, including physical education, weights & fitness training and Life Skills. Additionally, Verbanic served as an assistant to the San Diego State coaching staff at the same time. The past three seasons have been rebuilding years for the Patriots, though there were many highlights for the Patriots in 2007. Freshman Becky Anderson became the second Mason player under Verbanic to earn All-CAA first team honors, as well as the first to win Rookie of the Year in Verbanic's tenure in Fairfax. The Patriots, meanwhile, more than doubled their win total from the year before. Mason closed the season winning four of its last five, including series victories over CAA foes Delaware and Drexel. In addition, Mason compiled a 9-4 record at home against non-conference opponents. In 2006, Mason had a very young team and finished eighth among Colonial Athletic Association schools. The Patriots took two games from CAA foe James Madison in the middle of April and also split with cross-town rival, Georgetown. In Verbanic's first season with Mason (2005), he guided a roster of one senior, one sophomore and 12 first-year Division I players to an overall record of 22-31. During this season, Mason claimed a historic win over Hofstra, as the Patriots had never defeated the Pride prior to the 12-11 win on April 3. Verbanic coached two conference all-rookie honorees in Emily Grapel and Katlyn Winter, while Stacy James earned All-CAA First Team honors for the third year. From 1998-2003, Verbanic served as an assistant coach at San Diego State University, where he played a lead role in recruiting. During his stint with SDSU, the Aztecs were Mountain West Conference Champions twice (2002 & 2003) and were also participants in the NCAA Division I Regional twice (2001 & 2003). In addition, Verbanic coordinated field maintenance and participated in the new field/stadium planning and development efforts while with the Aztecs. Prior to SDSU, Verbanic served as an assistant coach at Palomar Community College in San Marcos, Calif. (1994-98). Verbanic was also the head coach of the `California Players' women's major team, which included the likes of Laura Berg, Leah O'Brien and Nancy Evans. This squad ended up finishing third at the 1998 Women's Major National. In addition, Verbanic led the North County `Elite' team to the championship game of the ASA Southern California State Tournament in 1993, as well as a berth to the ASA National Tournament in Chattanooga, Tenn. Verbanic played fast-pitch softball from 1982-1994 with the Vista Bombers, which placed second at the ASA "A" Nationals in 1991 while also qualifying for the ISC World Tournamennt from 1989-94. In addition, Verbanic was a three-time member of the Western Softball Congress All-Star squad. Verbanic played baseball and was a graduate assistant at SDSU from 1977-82 where he received his bachelor's degree in business administration and went on to earn his teaching credential for business education in 1984. Most recently, Verbanic received his Master's in physical education from Azusa Pacific University in 2004. |
  |
