New Paltz, NY — The State University of New York New Paltz has named Joe DiPietro as the head coach of the Hawks softball program ahead of the 2026 season. 
 
"We are excited to welcome Joe to the New Paltz," said SUNY New Paltz Director of Athletics, Wellness and Recreation Renee Bostic. "He is a seasoned coach who has diverse experience and strong New Jersey ties, which will be assets to the program as it continues to build upon its success."  
 
Across his illustrious career, DiPietro has been on the staff of seven collegiate softball programs and one National Professional Fastpitch team. Before coming to New Paltz, he held the head coach position at Central Washington University for four years, where he earned a trip to the Great Northwest Athletic Conference tournament whilst having a conference best team GPA.  
 
"I believe that this program can do many great things," said DiPietro. "The support that is given by the administration is awesome, and when you have that it makes my job a lot easier." 
 
Before his tenure with the Wildcats, DiPietro coached all over the country, from teams located in Pennsylvania and Virginia to programs in Texas and Washington State. DiPietro has also coached internationally, leading a USA Softball Select Team in both Australia and Italy.   
 
"I am excited to get back to the East Coast and lead a very good softball program," said DiPietro. "[As well as] meeting new people who share the same vision as I do." 
 
DiPietro led individual athletes to success, having coached one NFCA All-American, seven All-Region and 35 All-Conference players. He was named Atlantic-10 Softball during his time coaching Temple University, where he set a program win record in 2013. He also was inducted to the New Jersey Softball Hall of Fame in 2014.  
 
Off the field, DiPietro cultivated success in the classroom, holding a perfect graduation rate for players across every team he has coached. He also has garnered over 800 hours of team community service. 
"What drew me to New Paltz was the close proximity to home as well as the move to the NJAC next season," said DiPietro. "Playing against some of the top Division Three schools on the East Coast is very exciting and I am looking forward to competing with them." 
 
DiPietro and the Hawks return to the diamond this fall for their non-traditional season as they prepare for the 2026 campaign in the program's last year in the SUNYAC. 
 

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