Deptford, N.J. – Following the retirement of legendary head coach Steve DePasquale, Rowan College South Jersey Gloucester has named Morgan Tripodi as the next Head Softball Coach of the Roadrunners, effective July 1.
Tripodi joins RCSJ Gloucester as only the second head coach in program history. She previously served as an assistant coach at Eastern University, where she played an integral role in recruiting, practice planning, and game preparation. She brings a strong passion for developing student-athletes and a commitment to building a championship culture.
A South Jersey native, Tripodi enjoyed a successful collegiate playing career at Arcadia University before continuing her career at Rowan University. At Arcadia, she had 51 career starts behind the plate and compiled a career batting average of .326. She was a Second Team MAC Selection in 2022. At Rowan University, she had 20 starts, primarily as a Designated Player, in helping her Profs finish 3rd in the country at the 2024 Division 3 National Championship Tournament.
Morgan is well known around Gloucester County and South Jersey from her playing days at Woodbury Junior-Senior High School, where she graduated in 2019. At Woodbury, Morgan was a top scholastic shortstop for four seasons, leading the Thundering Herd to South Jersey Group 1 playoff appearances prior to her graduation in 2019.
Following her playing career, her coaching experience includes 6 seasons in various roles around the region.
She entered the coaching ranks at Eastern University, where she served as an Assistant under Head Coach Terri Adams for two seasons. Morgan also serves as the New Jersey Mystics 18 and under Gold head Softball Coach and recruiting coordinator.
Her experiences as both a player and coach have helped shape a philosophy centered on accountability, hard work, and creating an environment where student-athletes can excel academically, athletically, and personally.
"We are thrilled to welcome Morgan to the Roadrunner family," said Executive Director of Athletics Brian Rowan. "Throughout the search process, she demonstrated an outstanding vision for our softball program. She understands what it takes to build a successful culture, and we are excited for her to lead one of our flagship programs into its next era."
Tripodi becomes only the second head Coach in program history. She succeeds DePasquale, whose remarkable tenure transformed the Roadrunners into one of the premier junior college softball programs in the nation. His teams consistently competed for Region 19 championships and NJCAA national tournament appearances while establishing a culture of excellence that extended well beyond the softball field. His impact on the program, the college, and generations of student-athletes leaves a lasting legacy that will continue to shape Roadrunner Softball for years to come.
"I am thrilled to accept this position as the Roadrunners' Head Softball Coach and to have the chance to build upon and continue the championship culture that Coach Steve DePasquale has had here for many years," said Tripodi.
"Coming out of my playing career just over the past few years, I now look at myself as a mentor who will challenge our players and recruits to play at the highest level. Our goal will always be to provide them with a positive and winning culture."
Tripodi will soon schedule a meeting with her new players while also setting up her coaching staff.
"I'm excited to meet my new players and will work on developing strong relationships while stressing player development," she said. "With my coaching staff, we will focus on hiring an individual with a strong pitching background as well as adding assistants with various levels of experience within our sport."
As head coach, Tripodi will oversee all aspects of the Roadrunners softball program, including recruiting, player development, academic success, and fundraising. She has confidence in her South Jersey and local connections when recruiting new players.
"I've played here and coached locally, and I have some solid connections that I will continue to build," she commented.
The Roadrunners have long been recognized as one of the NJCAA's elite softball programs, and Tripodi now assumes leadership of a program built on sustained excellence. She will look to continue that tradition while positioning RCSJ Gloucester for continued success on the regional and national stage.
"The softball program has long been one of the cornerstones of our athletic department," Rowan added. "Morgan embraces the values that have made Roadrunner Athletics successful, and we are confident she will honor our tradition while bringing fresh ideas and energy to the program. We look forward to watching her make an immediate impact on our student-athletes and our campus community."
For more information on Rowan College South Jersey Gloucester Athletics, visit www.RCRoadrunners.com.