Release courtesy of Salem State Sports Information

SALEM, MASS. --  Ariel LaRosa has been named the new head coach of the Salem State softball program, as announced this week by Salem State Director of Athletics Peggy Carl. ""We are so thrilled to welcome Ariel to the Viking coaching ranks.  Her playing and coaching experiences are impressive and her experience recruiting qualified student-athletes will serve the program well.  We are excited to watch as she refocuses and reinvigorates the Viking softball program."  
 
LaRosa previously was the head coach at Wheelock College, leading the Wildcats' program for two seasons after a productive career as a four-year starter at Curry College. "I am very grateful to have the opportunity to coach at a well-recognized school," stated LaRosa. I am very excited to join a program that has been making great strides over the past couple of years and I can't wait to continue to build on that tradition."

A four-time all-conference selection for the Colonels as a player, LaRosa, who was named the Offensive Player of the Year in the Commonwealth Conference in 2012, led Curry to four conference playoff berths.

LaRosa currently is the head coach of the 16U Boston Batbusters and also works as a hitting and fielder instructor at the Rams Athletic Complex in North Reading coordinating camps and overseeing conditioning clinics.   

A former standout at Saint Mary's High School in Lynn, Mass., LaRosa led the program to two state titles as a Division 3 all-star. The Saugus, Mass. native returned to the school in 2013, serving a as assistant coach for two seasons. 

LaRosa graduated from Curry College in May of 2015 with a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice and a minor in Communications.