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GEORGIAN COURT APPOINTS FRANQUET AS FIRST FULL-TIME HEAD SOFTBALL COACH

July 12, 2006

LAKEWOOD, NJ - Georgian Court University has selected Jeff Franquet as the school's first full-time Head Softball Coach. The announcement was made by Director of Athletics and Recreation Laura Liesman.

"We are very excited to have Jeff join our athletics program," said Liesman. "He brings a wealth of softball knowledge and his professional dedication is outstanding. His passion and commitment to GCU Softball and the Institution as a whole are evident to everyone he meets."

"I am thrilled to be at GCU. This is a wonderful opportunity for me and my family. GCU has been very successful to this point and I hope to bring leadership, discipline and the drive to get us in the NCAA Tournament," Franquet said of his hiring.

Franquet brings a wealth of softball knowledge to Georgian Court. As former head coach at Division I Jacksonville University, Franquet led his team to victories over nationally-ranked opponents Florida State (#10) and Southern Illinois (#24) during the 2004 season.

While always striving for excellence on the field, Franquet also encourages excellence off the field and in the classroom. During the 2003-04 academic year the Jacksonville Dolphins were ranked 14th in the country among Division I softball programs with a 3.33 team GPA.

Liesman stated, "Having Jeff on campus full-time will enhance the communication with the team and provide him the opportunity to be involved across campus and overseeing the day-to-day responsibilities of all the student-athletes involved with the program."

In addition to his three years as head coach of the Jacksonville University Dolphins, Franquet compiled an 87-36 record in two years as head coach at Central Florida Community College (CFCC). He led CFCC to back-to-back Florida Community College Athletic Association State Championships in 1999 and 2000.

Throughout his eighteen year coaching career, Franquet has amassed a coaching record of 170-146. Franquet's softball career includes success as a coach as well as a player. He played softball for 21 years, including four years at the professional level. His accomplishments on the diamond include 16 MVP Honors, playing in two world championships, nine national championships, as well as 15 regional and 17 state championships.

A native of Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, Franquet now resides in Beverly, New Jersey with his wife, Brooke, and their three-year old daughter, Madison. Adams-Franquet herself was a standout softball player. She was a three-time all-state selection at Holy Cross High School in Delran, New Jersey, and led the Georgian Court College Lions to an eighth-place finish in the 1997 NAIA National Championships before transferring to Shippensburg (Pa.) University.

"I was attracted to the position for many reasons. The athletic program is soaring, the school is beautiful, and I think it is awesome that my wife led GCC to the NAIA World Series. I want to thank Laura Liesman for the opportunity and I am looking forward to getting on the field with the team."

The 2005 GCU Softball team finished tied for second in the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference. The Lions finished the season 29-17, capped off with a trip to the finals of the ECAC tournament