DeFeo Steps Down as Mercer Head Softball Coach

MACON, Ga. – Mercer Director of Athletics Jim Cole announced Wednesday that the school has accepted the resignation of head softball coach Stephanie DeFeo.

"I'd like to thank Stephanie for her eight years of service and contributions to the Mercer Athletics," Cole said. "We appreciate the leadership and guidance she has provided the Bears' softball program both on and off the field. We wish Stephanie the best moving forward."

DeFeo leaves Mercer as the winningest coach in program history with a record of 217-195 (.527 pct.) and is the only coach to win 200 games with the Bears. Since joining the Bears' staff in 2014, DeFeo has coached all three of the program's CoSIDA Academic All-Americans, 2015 SoCon Pitcher of the Year Kirsten Stevens and the 2018 SoCon Freshman of the Year Micayla Rood. She has also instructed 50 all-conference performers with 14 players landing on the first team, 11 second team selections, 13 all-freshman team honorees and 12 Bears who garnered all-tournament team honors. DeFeo led Mercer to a top-3 finish in the SoCon Tournament five times, including the team's lone championship appearance in 2015.

"I'm appreciative for the eight years I have spent at Mercer University," DeFeo said. "My goal has always been and will always be to develop strong, empowered young women. I am grateful for all of the relationships I have developed during my time here."

A national search for the Bears' next head coach is underway. Cole will have no further comment until a new head coach is hired.

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DeFeo Steps Down as Mercer Head Softball Coach

Players Mentioned

Micayla Rood

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