Courtesy of Paul Gornowski, Holy Family SID

PHILADELPHIA, PA - After 17 seasons at the end of the Holy Family bench, Mickey McGroarty decided to call it a career by stepping down as the head coach of the Holy Family University softball team for personal reasons, effective immediately, on Friday, Nov. 14.

"Mickey has a great passion for the game," said Holy Family University director of athletics Sandra Michael. "He was prepared for every aspect of the position - strategically on the field, fundraising for trips and being a father figure for the team."

McGroarty became the fourth head coach of the Tigers in 1992 after spending one year as an assistant coach. In that time, he compiled a record of 390 wins, 268 losses and four ties (.592 winning percentage). His peers named him the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference (CACC) coach of the year four times ('94, '98, '99, '00). In 2000, Holy Family won the CACC regular season title. McGroarty helped the team transition to NCAA Division II from NAIA in 2003. This past season, the Tigers went 22-22 overall and finished third in the CACC Championship Tournament.

"He always represented the department in a very professional and respectful manner. I am proud to have him on the staff for so long," reflected Michael. "I know he will continue to support the team. In my mind, Mickey will always be a part of Holy Family softball."