Hurley Named Softball Head Coach

FITCHBURG, Mass. - Fitchburg State University Senior Director of Athletics and Recreation Matthew Burke has announced today that Richard "Dick" Hurley has been named the new head coach of the softball program. Hurley has coached over 700 games at both the NCAA Division II and III levels.

Most recently, Hurley was the interim head softball coach at Assumption University after spending nine seasons at the helm at Becker College.

"We are excited to have Coach Hurley aboard at Fitchburg State University to lead our softball program," said Burke. "His successful years of coaching and passion for the sport are unmatched. He has been one of the best coaches in the area at all levels and along with his expertise in recruiting the right student-athlete, our program will remain a strong contender in the MASCAC."

During his time at Becker College, he led the Hawks to unprecedented heights. He had an overall record of 160-137 and a staggering 101-39 (.721) New England Collegiate Conference (NECC) mark, including a NECC Championship and a trip to the NCAA Division III tournament.  In the NCAA era for Becker, he is the all-time leader in both wins (160) and conference victories (101).

Hurley led the Hawks to their most prolific season in 2016. The team collected a program-best 27 wins and went 17-1 in conference play on the way to capturing the championship. Hurley was recognized by his coaching peers as the NECC Coach of the Year while the players swept the Pitcher and Rookie of the Year hardware.

"It's an honor to be named the next coach of the Falcons' softball team," said Hurley. "Thank you to Matt Burke for giving me the opportunity to get back on the diamond with such great student-athletes. I am looking to lead the Falcons to success both on and off the field."

Last season, Hurley guided the Greyhounds to a 19-27 overall record and a 14-12 mark in the Northeast-10 Conference. Assumption had a nice run in the NE10 tournament before falling in the conference semifinals.

Prior to Becker, Hurley was the head coach at Franklin Pierce University for nine seasons, he was the all-time leader in wins (93).