Erica Li named head softball coach at MCLA

NORTH ADAMS, MASS. — Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts' (MCLA) Department of Athletics announces that Erica Li has been named as the Trailblazers' full-time head softball coach. Li served as team's interim coach during the 2018 season.

Li came to MCLA from Williams College two years ago to serve as the College's coordinator of academic success and diversity under the NCAA Ethnic Minorities and Women's Internship Grant. She served as the softball team's assistant coach, before moving into the interim head softball coach position in January.

The Trailblazers wrapped up their season in May. Li earned her first career victory in March when the softball team defeated Trinity (CT) in Florida.

MCLA Director of Athletics Laura Mooney observed the impact Li has demonstrated on campus over the course of the past two years.

"During her time with the grant, she created an academic monitoring program and provided important support for our student-athletes to be successful in the classroom," Mooney said. "We are grateful that she will be able to continue this work full time, while she leads our softball program. Erica is committed to developing her players to be winners – both on the field and in life – and will no doubt elevate the softball program."

Li enjoyed a decorated softball career at Williams College. While an Eph, Li was a four-year member of the program, serving as captain during her senior season. She was named an All American in 2016, and also was tabbed as the New England Small College Athletics Conference (NESCAC) Player of the Year.

Her teams at Williams competed in the NCAA Tournament during her final three seasons, which included trips to the regional finals the last two seasons.

"I'm very excited to be the next head coach at MCLA," Li said. "There is a lot of opportunity for growth and success in the softball program, and I can't wait to hit the ground running."

The Trailblazers went just 6-22 during the spring season in 2018. The team returns all but one player as they seek to return to postseason play.

Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) is the Commonwealth's public liberal arts college and a campus of the Massachusetts state university system. MCLA promotes excellence in learning and teaching, innovative scholarship, intellectual creativity, public service, applied knowledge, and active and responsible citizenship. MCLA graduates are prepared to be practical problem solvers and engaged, resilient global citizens.

For more information, go to www.mcla.edu.