College Softball
Novatin Hired as Assistant
LAWRENCEVILLE--Rider University softball coach Tricia Carroll recently announced that New Jersey native Christie Novatin has been hired as an assistant coach.
"Christie was highly recommended by a couple of coaches who I know and respect but the highest praise came from her former collegiate coach Bill Edwards," said Carroll who is beginning her 19th season at Rider. "Christie has lived up to that recommendation and more. I think Bill is one of the best coaches in the country and Christie clearly paid attention during her time at Hofstra."
Novatin was a four-year letterwinner for Hofstra University where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science and a Physical Education minor in 2010, earning Dean's List honors.
"I'm very excited to be at Rider," Novatin said. "I am hoping to bring a different perspective to the team and they have all taken well to me so far."
Novatin was a 119-game veteran for the Pride who advanced to three NCAA Regionals during her career (2007, 2008, 2010) after winning three Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) championships while winning 157 of 218 games (.720 winning percentage).
For the past two seasons, Novatin was an assistant coach at Georgian Court University in Lakewood, New Jersey, as the Lions compiled 70 wins and advanced to the 2011 conference playoff finals.
"I focus on having the players be mentally prepared for different situations," Novatin said about her coaching style. "By doing that, I hope to help put the players in a better position to be successful."
"Christie has had a major impact on the players in the short time she has been with us," Carroll said about her work with the team during the fall. "She loves the game and it comes through loud and clear in her coaching. We have been fortunate in the past to have outstanding assistant coaches and we have another one in Christie."
Novatin played four years of softball at Howell High School in Farmingdale, New Jersey and also played four years of soccer and three years of basketball for the Rebels.
Novatin won the Distinguished Athlete Award and the Scholar-Athlete Award in 2006, as well as the Sportsmanship Award in 2005 and 2006.
Novatin has extensive involvement in community service including work with Breast Cancer Awareness and the Special Olympics.
Novatin also has experience as a strength and conditioning coach and worked as a coach with Camp Rise Ball in Edison and was a co-coach with the 12U All-Star softball team in Howell.
Rider opens the 2013 season February 9-10 at the East Carolina tournament, against Towson, Cleveland State, Ohio University and the host Pirates of ECU with the home opener, at Herb and Joan Young Field, scheduled for March 13 against Monmouth.
The Broncs return 11 letterwinners for the upcoming season.
"We are excited about the team," Novatin added. "The coaches and players both believe that we can be competitive in the conference and battle for a playoff spot."
"Heather Beintema, Christie, volunteer Jamie Farley, pitching coach and team mentor Jamiyl Mosley get along like they have known each other for years," Carroll added. "The Rider softball team is very fortunate to have quality people that continue to be part of the program."
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