Head softball coach Shayne Lotito to step down at end of 2018 season

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – Bryant University has announced that head softball coach Shayne Lotito will step down as head coach of the softball program following the conclusion of the season. The announcement was made today by Director of Athletics Bill Smith and coach Lotito. 

Lotito, who is currently in her fifth season at the helm of the Bulldog program, will return home to California to pursue other opportunities. 

"I sincerely want to thank Shayne for all that she did in guiding our softball program at Bryant University," said Smith.  "Bryant softball has enjoyed success in the Northeast Conference with Shayne at the helm, winning their first DI championship in 2014, and her student-athletes have always conducted themselves professionally both on and off the field which is a reflection of coach Lotito, both as a coach and as a person. I wish her well as she returns back home."

During her five years at Bryant, the Bulldogs were 85-155 overall and 45-35 in the NEC and qualified for two Northeast Conference tournaments, in 2016 and during her first season in 2014.  In 2014, Lotito guided the Bulldogs to their best season at the Division I level, posting a 32-22 overall record en route to the program's first-ever NEC Regular-Season and Tournament championship and a berth in the NCAA Division I tournament.

Coach Lotito coached 12 all-conference selections at Bryant, including the 2014 NEC Player of the Year, Elle Madsen, and the 2015 Most Improved Player of the Year, Taylor Burger. Coach Lotito and her staff were named the NEC Coaching Staff of the Year in 2014, the year the Black and Gold won the title. 

A 2009 graduate of Boston University, Lotito was a four year standout member of the Terriers' softball team where she finished fourth all time in career batting average (.334) and first in career stolen bases (95).  She finished her senior season with a career-best .359 average in 57 games for the Terriers and was named to the Louisville Slugger / NFCA All-Northeast Region First Team in 2009.  She garnered America East Conference First Team honors in 2006 and 2008.

At Boston College, Lotito assisted with all phases of the softball program including recruiting, practice planning and preparation, strength and conditioning, hitting instruction and baserunning, and various camps and clinics. 

A native of Acton, California and Vasquez High School graduate, Lotito earned her Masters of Education from Boston University in 2012.