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WILMINGTON NAMES ZEBLEY AND TRAVIS ASSISTANT SOFTBALL COACHES

August 9, 2006

Courtesy of Erin Harvey, Wilmington SID

NEW CASTLE, DE ? Wilmington College Interim Head Softball Coach Erin Harvey has announced the additions of Melissa Zebley and Dana Travis to her staff for the upcoming 2006-2007 season.

Zebley and Travis join Eric Zebley who is returning for his third season with the Wildcats, the first as the top assistant to new coach Erin Harvey. "Coach Zebley will give this program the extra edge needed in preparations, both in practice and in game situations," stated Harvey. "Eric's attention to detail is unmatched, and he will have direct input into our practice plans and game strategy. Eric observes so many things on the field, during both practice and games, and the adjustments we make from his input are crucial. His knowledge of the game is second to none, and I feel he will be a huge asset to the softball program here at Wilmington College."

Melissa Zebley (William Penn HS/New Castle, DE), the daughter of fellow assistant coach Eric Zebley, comes to Wilmington having recently graduated from Holy Family University where she starred for four years for the Tigers. A four year starter at second base for Holy Family, she helped lead the Tigers to the post-season in each season. A career .348 hitter, Melissa was a three-time All-CACC selection and All-Northeast Region award winner. During her tenure, Zebley also was named to the All-CACC Tournament team twice and was invited to the Olympic Trials in 2003.

Coach Zebley holds many offensive and defensive records for Holy Family. During her four year career, she amassed a .477 slugging percentage and 69 runs batted in. She holds the record for most games played (184), at-bats (590), hits (205), doubled (48), and total bases (286).

"I am thrilled to have Melissa join the coaching staff this year," stated Coach Harvey. "She was one of the best softball players to come out of the CACC in recent years, and our student-athletes will have the opportunity to learn from someone who has a great deal to share about the game of softball. As a former Division II student-athlete, Melissa knows what it takes, not only to compete, but excel at this level." Coach Zebley's primary responsibilities will to be work with the offense and infield defense.

Dana Travis (St. Mark's HS/Newark, DE), comes to Wilmington from St. Joseph's University, where was a four year starter on the mound and helped lead the Hawks to the post-season in each of those seasons. Dana finished her remarkable career with a 60-35 record and a sparkling 1.83 earned run average. She was an All-Region selection in 2002 and twice earned Atlantic-10 All-Championship honors. Travis was also a two-time member of the A-10 All-Academic Team and was a first-team selection to the 2004 Academic All-District Two team.

Coach Travis holds many of the pitching records for St. Joseph's. During her four year career, she amassed over 619 innings pitched and 515 strikeouts. She held opponents to just a .211 batting average and closed out her career with 81 complete games and 27 shutout victories. While a member of the Hawks, Dana led the team in ERA, wins, innings pitched, and strikeouts. Coach Travis holds the record for single-season wins (19), appearances (108), single-season shutouts (9, twice), shutouts (27), and strikeouts (515). She is among the top five in fourteen other career statistical categories for the Hawks.

"I am ecstatic to have Dana join the ranks of the coaching staff this season," stated Coach Harvey. "Having a pitching coach on staff will truly benefit our student-athletes, as the pitchers and catchers will have one-on-one attention and instruction that will enable them to make needed improvements and adjustments. Dana brings a vast experience of pitching to our program, and the entire team will learn a great deal from her. As a former student-athlete with Division I experience and a phenomenal work ethic, she will be a great role model for our team." Coach Travis' chief responsibilities will be to work with the pitching staff as well as the catchers.

"I am thrilled with the addition of Melissa and Dana to the softball coaching staff", said Coach Harvey. "Along with Eric Zebley, I feel we have one of the most knowledgeable and hard-working coaching staffs in the conference. Eric has proven his worth, time and time again as a coach, and Melissa and Dana are fine examples of how hard work in the classroom and on the field can pay off. All three will help us move towards our goal of becoming a top program not only in the CACC, but in the region. Our student-athletes should enjoy the opportunity to work directly with them."