Georgia Southern
2021 - Present Heather Gelbard begins her first season as an assistant coach for Georgia Southern softball in the Fall of 2021. She joins the Eagles after serving as a volunteer assistant coach at South Carolina for the last two seasons, and Gelbard will serve as the Eagles' hitting coach. |
South Carolina
2019 - 2021
South Carolina softball head coach Beverly Smith added a wealth of knowledge to the coaching staff with the addition of former FIU interim head coach Heather Gelbard in the summer of 2019.
Gelbard most recently served as the interim head coach of the Panthers for the 2019 season, a role she accepted in October of 2018. Despite the staff change late in fall camp and losing five of the program's top-seven hitters, Gelbard led FIU to a 26-win season and placed a student-athlete on the Conference USA All-Freshmen Team.
"I am excited to welcome Heather to the Gamecock Softball staff," Smith said at the time. "I have known Heather since her days as a player at N.C. State. Calling pitches from the opposing dugout while she was in the batter's box was no easy task. She played for (South Carolina associate head coach) Lisa Navas at N.C. State and spent several years working beside Hall of Fame Coach Joan Joyce at Florida Atlantic. I look forward to adding all of her softball experience to our staff."
2019 - 2021
South Carolina softball head coach Beverly Smith added a wealth of knowledge to the coaching staff with the addition of former FIU interim head coach Heather Gelbard in the summer of 2019.
Gelbard most recently served as the interim head coach of the Panthers for the 2019 season, a role she accepted in October of 2018. Despite the staff change late in fall camp and losing five of the program's top-seven hitters, Gelbard led FIU to a 26-win season and placed a student-athlete on the Conference USA All-Freshmen Team.
"I am excited to welcome Heather to the Gamecock Softball staff," Smith said at the time. "I have known Heather since her days as a player at N.C. State. Calling pitches from the opposing dugout while she was in the batter's box was no easy task. She played for (South Carolina associate head coach) Lisa Navas at N.C. State and spent several years working beside Hall of Fame Coach Joan Joyce at Florida Atlantic. I look forward to adding all of her softball experience to our staff."
Florida International University
2018-2019
Heather Gelbard joined the FIU softball coaching staff in the summer of 2018, initially serving as an assistant coach and was promoted to interim head coach during the fall season. Gelbard, who is a Miami native, came to FIU after previous stops at UMBC (2017-18), Florida Atlantic (2010-16) and Barry (2008-09).
At her last stop, Gelbard was the head coach of UMBC where she improved the team’s winning percentage in both years of her two-year stint with the Retrievers. Under Gelbard’s guidance, the Retrievers posted two of the highest team GPAs in program history, while also qualifying for the American East Conference Tournament in both years as a head coach.
While at UMBC, players racked up numerous awards in just a short period of
2018-2019
Heather Gelbard joined the FIU softball coaching staff in the summer of 2018, initially serving as an assistant coach and was promoted to interim head coach during the fall season. Gelbard, who is a Miami native, came to FIU after previous stops at UMBC (2017-18), Florida Atlantic (2010-16) and Barry (2008-09).
At her last stop, Gelbard was the head coach of UMBC where she improved the team’s winning percentage in both years of her two-year stint with the Retrievers. Under Gelbard’s guidance, the Retrievers posted two of the highest team GPAs in program history, while also qualifying for the American East Conference Tournament in both years as a head coach.
While at UMBC, players racked up numerous awards in just a short period of
time, with Gelbard coaching players to three AEC All-Conference, two All-AEC Tournament and two AEC All-Freshman honors under her guidance. Players at UMBC also won weekly awards 22 times during her two seasons with the Retrievers.
University of Maryland Baltimore County
2016-2018
UMBC Director of Athletics Tim Hall announced the hiring of Heather Gelbard as the Retrievers' new head softball coach on July 19, 2016. Gelbard becomes the Retrievers' sixth head coach since UMBC began competing in softball in 1991.
The UMBC softball team boasted the best GPA in program history during the Fall of 2016. During the 2017 season, Gelbard coached 2 America East All Conference players, an All Tournament Team selection, and an All Rookie Team selection, as well as having players named the player, pitcher, or rookie of the week 17 times.
The Retrievers saw improvements from the previous season in all major statistical categories. Despite playing 4 fewer games than the 2016 season, Gelbard saw team increases in hits, triples, slugging percentage, on base percentage, walks, and stolen bases, while seeing a significant decrease in strike outs and finishing just one home run short of the previous season. The team's fielding percentage also increased significantly during the 2017 season, as the number of defensive errors decreased.
After teaching the team's catchers how to call the games themselves, the Retrievers saw major improvement in the ERA of the pitching staff. Based on pitchers who threw more than 10 innings, the team ERA dropped to 3.61 in 2017 from 4.20 in 2016.
Gelbard also helped the program rebuild relationships with alumni and increased fundraising and donations by $7,000.
2016-2018
UMBC Director of Athletics Tim Hall announced the hiring of Heather Gelbard as the Retrievers' new head softball coach on July 19, 2016. Gelbard becomes the Retrievers' sixth head coach since UMBC began competing in softball in 1991.
The UMBC softball team boasted the best GPA in program history during the Fall of 2016. During the 2017 season, Gelbard coached 2 America East All Conference players, an All Tournament Team selection, and an All Rookie Team selection, as well as having players named the player, pitcher, or rookie of the week 17 times.
The Retrievers saw improvements from the previous season in all major statistical categories. Despite playing 4 fewer games than the 2016 season, Gelbard saw team increases in hits, triples, slugging percentage, on base percentage, walks, and stolen bases, while seeing a significant decrease in strike outs and finishing just one home run short of the previous season. The team's fielding percentage also increased significantly during the 2017 season, as the number of defensive errors decreased.
After teaching the team's catchers how to call the games themselves, the Retrievers saw major improvement in the ERA of the pitching staff. Based on pitchers who threw more than 10 innings, the team ERA dropped to 3.61 in 2017 from 4.20 in 2016.
Gelbard also helped the program rebuild relationships with alumni and increased fundraising and donations by $7,000.
Florida Atlantic University
2009-2016
Heather Gelbard joined the FAU coaching staff in the fall of 2009 after serving as an assistant coach at Barry University for two years. In addition to acting as the team's recruiting coordinator, Gelbard's responsibilities include working with the hitters, compiling scouting reports, and coaching first base. She works closely with the catchers and provides them with the insight required to help them successfully call their own games, making the FAU battery one of the best in the country.
A member of the 2016 C-USA coaching staff of the year, Gelbard helped lead the Owls to a Conference USA championship. Five Owls were named to the C-USA tournament team and Kylee Hanson was named tournament MVP. Additionally, Kylee Hanson and utility player Tatum Buckley were named to the NFCA All-South Region teams. En route to the Conference USA title, FAU had a 12-0 start to the 2016 season, setting a new school record for the best start in program history and remaining just one of three undefeated teams in the country at the time. The team also broke the previous season’s record with a 16-1 start. During this dominant season, FAU held a top 25 ranking for the first time since 2004. After initially debuting in the top 25 on March 22, 2016, the team remained in the polls for the rest of the season. The Owls also received accolades for freshman of the year, pitcher of the year, ESPNW national player of the week, NFCA player of the week, and garnered 4 first team and 1 second team all conference players. FAU was 22-2 in conference play during the regular season and earned the title of C-USA regular season champions. They finished the season with a ranking of 22/24 in the NFCA and ESPN top 25 polls, respectively, an RPI of 23, a record of 51-9, and an automatic bid to the NCAA Regional in Gainesville, Florida. Heading into regional play, the Florida Gators were the only other 50 win team during the 2016 season (53-5).
In her seven seasons as the team’s hitting coach, she has overseen the offensive resurgence of the Owls. The Owls set various team and individual records during the 2016 season, including the new single season record for team batting average (.301), on base percentage (.380), runs scored (319), 2nd in slugging percentage (.407), and 2nd fewest strikeouts in a season (216). In just her sophomore year, Emily Lochten became the career leader in stolen bases, a record that had been in place since 1999. Emily is also now 2nd and 3rd in runs scored per season. Carnesha Thompson is the new record holder for runs scored. Melissa Martinez set a new single season record for doubles, finished 2nd in career doubles, 2nd in career RBIs, and 1st in HBPs. Additionally, the FAU pitching staff ended their season with the 2nd lowest ERA in the country and Kylee Hanson finished 3rd overall.
During the 2015 campaign, FAU batters set a new record for the highest on base percentage in program history, and recorded the fourth highest team batting average, the highest mark since 1996. In Gelbard’s seven seasons with the Owls, the team’s offense has posted three of the top five on base percentages in program history, as well as three of the top five lowest strikeout totals.
In 2015, Gelbard helped the Owls to a second place finish at the Conference USA tournament and the team earned an at large bid for their first NCAA Regional appearance since 2006. FAU ended their season with a final record of 39-19-1 and held the eventual WCWS National Champion Florida Gators to just 1 run in their 8 inning game at the Gainesville Regional in the regional final. During the 2015 campaign, FAU hitters recorded the 4th highest batting average in program history, set a new record for highest on base percentage in program history, 6th lowest strikeout total in FAU history, and the pitching staff had the 7th lowest ERA in the nation.
In their first season of C-USA play, the 2014 team set a new offensive record for the 5th lowest strikeout total in FAU history while also setting a new record for the highest fielding percentage in program history. The team finished the year with a 15-9 record in conference play. Sophomore outfielder Christina Martinez was named to the all-conference team as well as being named to the 1st team all tournament team. Freshmen pitchers Amanda Wilson and Kylee Hanson both made the Conference USA all-freshmen team.
During their time in the Sun Belt conference, 6 different players were named to the All-Sun Belt Team. During the 2013 regular season, FAU boasted a huge win over 10th ranked USF. The team was also the 2011 regular season and tournament runner up. In her first year with the Owls (2010), Heather saw Blair Bodenmiller garner awards for Sun Belt All-Conference 1st Team, CoSIDA Academic All-American Second Team, and a nomination for the NCAA Woman of the Year.
A member of the 2016 C-USA coaching staff of the year, Gelbard helped lead the Owls to a Conference USA championship. Five Owls were named to the C-USA tournament team and Kylee Hanson was named tournament MVP. Additionally, Kylee Hanson and utility player Tatum Buckley were named to the NFCA All-South Region teams. En route to the Conference USA title, FAU had a 12-0 start to the 2016 season, setting a new school record for the best start in program history and remaining just one of three undefeated teams in the country at the time. The team also broke the previous season’s record with a 16-1 start. During this dominant season, FAU held a top 25 ranking for the first time since 2004. After initially debuting in the top 25 on March 22, 2016, the team remained in the polls for the rest of the season. The Owls also received accolades for freshman of the year, pitcher of the year, ESPNW national player of the week, NFCA player of the week, and garnered 4 first team and 1 second team all conference players. FAU was 22-2 in conference play during the regular season and earned the title of C-USA regular season champions. They finished the season with a ranking of 22/24 in the NFCA and ESPN top 25 polls, respectively, an RPI of 23, a record of 51-9, and an automatic bid to the NCAA Regional in Gainesville, Florida. Heading into regional play, the Florida Gators were the only other 50 win team during the 2016 season (53-5).
In her seven seasons as the team’s hitting coach, she has overseen the offensive resurgence of the Owls. The Owls set various team and individual records during the 2016 season, including the new single season record for team batting average (.301), on base percentage (.380), runs scored (319), 2nd in slugging percentage (.407), and 2nd fewest strikeouts in a season (216). In just her sophomore year, Emily Lochten became the career leader in stolen bases, a record that had been in place since 1999. Emily is also now 2nd and 3rd in runs scored per season. Carnesha Thompson is the new record holder for runs scored. Melissa Martinez set a new single season record for doubles, finished 2nd in career doubles, 2nd in career RBIs, and 1st in HBPs. Additionally, the FAU pitching staff ended their season with the 2nd lowest ERA in the country and Kylee Hanson finished 3rd overall.
During the 2015 campaign, FAU batters set a new record for the highest on base percentage in program history, and recorded the fourth highest team batting average, the highest mark since 1996. In Gelbard’s seven seasons with the Owls, the team’s offense has posted three of the top five on base percentages in program history, as well as three of the top five lowest strikeout totals.
In 2015, Gelbard helped the Owls to a second place finish at the Conference USA tournament and the team earned an at large bid for their first NCAA Regional appearance since 2006. FAU ended their season with a final record of 39-19-1 and held the eventual WCWS National Champion Florida Gators to just 1 run in their 8 inning game at the Gainesville Regional in the regional final. During the 2015 campaign, FAU hitters recorded the 4th highest batting average in program history, set a new record for highest on base percentage in program history, 6th lowest strikeout total in FAU history, and the pitching staff had the 7th lowest ERA in the nation.
In their first season of C-USA play, the 2014 team set a new offensive record for the 5th lowest strikeout total in FAU history while also setting a new record for the highest fielding percentage in program history. The team finished the year with a 15-9 record in conference play. Sophomore outfielder Christina Martinez was named to the all-conference team as well as being named to the 1st team all tournament team. Freshmen pitchers Amanda Wilson and Kylee Hanson both made the Conference USA all-freshmen team.
During their time in the Sun Belt conference, 6 different players were named to the All-Sun Belt Team. During the 2013 regular season, FAU boasted a huge win over 10th ranked USF. The team was also the 2011 regular season and tournament runner up. In her first year with the Owls (2010), Heather saw Blair Bodenmiller garner awards for Sun Belt All-Conference 1st Team, CoSIDA Academic All-American Second Team, and a nomination for the NCAA Woman of the Year.
Barry University
2007-2009
While working on her Master's of Sport Psychology at Barry University, Gelbard coached 4 All-American, 7 All-Region, and 10 All-Conference players. In 2008, Gelbard was named to the Sunshine State Conference and South Region Coaching Staff of the Year as the Barry Bucs won the conference and regional titles, advancing to the Division II World Series. That year, the Bucs posted the second highest batting average in program history, in addition to having the top fielding percentage in the country in Division II. The team finished their 2008 campaign with a 4th place finish at the Division II softball world series.
Miami Stingrays
2003-2009
A south Florida native, Gelbard played for the Miami Stingrays organization and returned to help coach the program in 2003. She was named assistant coach of the Stingrays 18U program, taking them to 2007 ASA Nationals where they placed 3rd overall. Gelbard also helped the program win the ASA Florida State Championship in 2009. From 2003 until 2011, the Miami Stingrays organization sent over 50 players on to play college softball (45 of them to DI schools).
North Carolina State
2004-2007
Gelbard's softball experience also includes a brilliant four year career as an infielder at North Carolina State University. She contributed more than 60 hits each of her four years and helped lead the Wolfpack to the 2006 ACC regular-season and ACC Tournament championships, as well as back-to-back NCAA Regional Tournament berths in 2006 and 2007. While at NC State, Gelbard was named All-Conference Second Team in 2005 and 2007, ESPN The Magazine Academic Third Team All-American (2005), and NFCA/Louisville Slugger All-Southeast Region First-Team (2007). As a member of the inaugural team in 2004, she collected the first hit, double, and run scored in Wolfpack history. She is still ranked in the top 10 in 15 different career offensive categories including hits (1st), batting average (2nd), on base percentage (6th), doubles (2nd), home runs (T-5th), walks (4th), and RBIs (4th). In her final season, Gelbard finished in the top ten in the ACC for hits, homers, walks per game, and batting average. She is still ranked 9th all-time in the ACC for career hits. A four-time NC State Scholar-Athlete and ACC Honor Roll selection, she was named a Third-Team ESPN the Magazine Academic All-American by CoSIDA in 2005. Gelbard received her bachelor's degree in Psychology from NC State in 2007.