June 22, 2017
THE FLATS — Georgia Tech softball head coach Aileen Morales has announced Thursday the hiring of Charisse “Reese” Mariconda as the Yellow Jackets’ hitting and outfield coach. Mariconda was most recently an assistant coach at Fordham University.
“I am excited to have the opportunity to work with a coach of Reese’s caliber,” Morales said. “During her coaching career she has been known for developing players and being a dedicated recruiter. Our players will benefit the most by her ability to develop and motivate them to play at the highest level. She is a proven winner and will help take our program to the next level.”
Mariconda has served as the assistant coach at Fordham since 2012, compiling a 195-101 record over five seasons. In her duration on the Fordham staff, Mariconda helped lead the team to five consecutive Atlantic 10 Tournament Championships. She was a member of the coaching staff that was named the 2017 NFCA Mid-Atlantic Coaching Staff of the Year.
At Fordham, Mariconda worked with the hitters, leading to an increase in the team batting average by 50 points, ranking No. 24 in the nation in batting average and No. 10 in the nation in scoring. During her time with Fordham, the Rams led the Atlantic 10 in almost every offensive category.
“I am excited, humbled and honored to join the Georgia Tech softball family,” Mariconda said. “I am thankful to Aileen for this wonderful opportunity to come home to the ACC. Georgia Tech has a strong history of ACC prominence and I am eager to bring the program back to the top of the conference.
“Aileen and I were great competitors during our playing careers so it will be special to work together to rebuild a competitive Tech team. My experience at Fordham under Coach Orchard was invaluable in learning how to work hard to find and develop talent, and I am excited for this opportunity to help lead Georgia Tech into a new era of success.”
Prior to her stint at Fordham, Mariconda served as the volunteer assistant at Radford University from 2010-12. At Radford, she helped bring the Highlanders two regular season Big South Conference Championships in back-to-back seasons.
She received her undergraduate degree from Virginia Tech where she played third base and shortstop for the Hokies from 2005-09, competing against Morales.
As a player, Mariconda was a two-time ACC Tournament Champion and three-time all-ACC selection. She was the only player in Virginia Tech history to start every game of her career. In 2008 she competed in the Women’s College World Series and was a member of the team that upset the USA women’s Olympic softball team, snapping its 187-game win streak.
She also competed alongside Morales as a member of the Puerto Rican National Team, participating in the 2007 Pan American Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and Canada Cup in British Columbia, Canada.
The Mariconda File:
2012-17 Fordham University First Assistant
2010-12 Radford University Volunteer Assistant
2009-10 Virginia Tech Undergraduate Assistant
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