Sparkill, N.Y. - The accolades keep rolling in for St. Thomas Aquinas College's Softball team.

 

For the first time, the team's coaching staff was named the 2026 ATEC/NFCA Division II East Region Coaching Staff of the Year as voted by member head coaches.

 

The Spartans are in the midst of a historic season. Last week, they won the East Regional title to earn their first trip to the NCAA Division II World Series in Chattanooga, Tennessee. They dropped a hard-fought 4-2 decision yesterday to Saint Leo University, the No. 1 ranked team in the nation.

 

"This prestigious award validates the terrific work by Kristen and her staff," said Margaret Alaimo, St. Thomas Aquinas College Director of Athletics. "It was striking to see how much this team improved from the beginning of the season and that's a reflection of the talent on the coaching staff. This team had great chemistry and peaked at the right time of the season. I am delighted that Kristen's staff has received such a notable honor."

 

Head coach Kristen Sullivan has guided the Spartans to a 38-13 record that included a 23-game win streak and the championship of the East Coast Conference. They regrouped after losing its first six games of the season with Sullivan developing pitchers Lauren Falk and Emma Popp, both first-year players. Sofia Marella, Olivia Leon, Elyse Marcano, Adrianna Coira and Trinadey Santiago excelled in the season.

 

Sullivan's staff includes Carlos Soto, Kyle Sullivan, Sarah Clancy, Tara Hagan, Bill Madden and Penny Roberts.

 

"This coaching staff made a commitment to excellence last September and all of the time and effort that we have invested in the players has really paid off," said Sullivan, who was named the ECC Coach of the Year for the fifth straight season. "I have a great deal of pride in the accomplishments of this team. Every player improved their skills and we clicked as a unit on and off the field. We were able to prevail in the challenging ECC and East Region tournaments against some very talented teams. I think the coaches and players will remember this season for a very long time."