Softball | 5/14/2025 3:22:17 PM
GENESEO, N.Y. - SUNY Geneseo softball head coach,
David Sylvester, announced his retirement following the conclusion of the 2025 softball season. Sylvester retires as the winningest coach in program history with a final record of 276-154-1, including four conference championships (2018, 2021, 2022, and 2023).
"Coaching at Geneseo has truly been a dream come true," said Sylvester. "I feel incredibly fortunate to have worked with so many outstanding young women who have built a strong team culture and contributed to the program's success. It's been a privilege to be part of their journey."
"Coach Sylvester leaves behind an incredible legacy of excellence on and off the field," said Director of Athletics
Dani Drews. "His teams and staff always conducted themselves with great respect for their opponents and the game. We are indebted to him for all the blood, sweat, and tears he gave to our Knights throughout his distinguished career."
In 12 years at the helm, Sylvester never posted a record below .500, and tallied two 30-win seasons in 2018 and 2022. The Knights record of 34-6 in 2022 was the program's highest win total under Sylvester, where he earned SUNYAC Coach of the Year honors and the right to host NCAA Regionals at Vic Raschi Field. Sylvester and the Knights won four out of a possible five SUNYAC titles between 2018 and 2023, and he helped guide the program through the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021. In 2018, Sylvester earned his first SUNYAC Coach of the Year award after helping the Knights win the program's first conference title since 2002 and a final record of 32-9. Throughout his 12 years as head coach, he has had student-athletes earn 31 All-Conference honors and nine All-Region honors. Prior to becoming the head coach in 2013, Sylvester had been the pitching coach for the Knights for the prior three seasons, where he helped All-SUNYAC pitcher Janine Montera '11 earn All-Region honors.
Coach Sylvester also had nine players earn major awards from the SUNYAC: 2015 Pitcher of the Year - Corrin Spallone, 2018 Tournament MVP - Ashlyn Kersch, 2019 Player of the Year - Danni Napoli, 2021 Pitcher of the Year - Nicole Schwartz, 2021 Tournament MVP - Anna Johnston, 2022 Pitcher of the Year - Lauren Kersch, 2022 Tournament MVP -
Kaitlyn Schmitz, 2023 Rookie of the Year -
Brooke Fraas, and 2023 Tournament MVP
Rebecca Schwartz.
Sylvester earned a bachelor of science degree in education and history from Geneseo in 1985 and returned to complete a master's degree in education in 1990.
Sylvester's impact on the Geneseo softball program and the players he has coached goes beyond just wins and losses, so we reached out to some of his alumni to speak on the legacy he leaves behind and his impact on their time at Geneseo.
Samantha Trapasso '14 - "It's been an absolute honor to be part of Coach Dave's journey—from playing under him to later standing beside him as his coaching staff. His passion for the game, unwavering commitment to his players, and genuine care for those around him made a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to be part of his teams. His leadership shaped not only great athletes but incredible people, and I'm truly grateful for the memories, the mentorship, and the friendship. Wishing him all the best in retirement—he's more than earned it."
Mikayla Rafte (Moore) '16 - "Coach Dave, Thank you for your time and dedication to the Geneseo softball program. You've made the program what it is today. I was so happy when you took over as head coach my freshman year. I look back on my time on the team with very fond memories. You made me a better pitcher, teammate, athlete, and leader. I'm sorry you couldn't make me a better hitter. I hope you enjoy your retirement and extra time with your family!"
Alyssa Presutti '17 - "I got to play for Coach Dave in his first official season as Head Coach as a freshman. He had high expectations and knew exactly what each of our individual potentials could be. Even when I was in a slump in my freshman season, he kept me in the lineup because he knew I would fight my way out of it. Some of my favorite softball memories happened because of him! Our spring trips in Florida and some tough league play were not only fun memories, but taught me important life lessons! It was awesome to be able to work with him in the Empire 8 this season. It's fun to have come full circle from my time in the uniform. Congratulations Coach Dave on an amazing career at the helm for the Knights. I wish you the absolute best in your retirement."
Alyssa Persich '19 - "When I think back on my time with Geneseo Softball, I couldn't imagine what it would've been like without Coach Sylvester. To know Coach Dave is to know how passionate and dedicated he is to the sport and the commitment he puts into each individual player. His background in education played a huge role off the field, and he knew the importance of education above all else. He was always flexible with us while also balancing his dual role as a principal and head coach. I remember when I was finalizing my college decisions he went out of his way to personally contact my high school guidance counselor to make sure I knew I had received my acceptance letter. He has the type of coaching style that, even during the worst practices or games, he can find more positives than negatives. As a coach now, I spend each day trying to instill the same philosophies I absorbed from him, along with Coach Marty and Coach Kramarz. I stay in contact with Coach several times a year to catch up and try to connect players to continue the legacy he's created. His success over the years is no fluke but rather a reflection of effective coaching and the family of GSUSB. I wish coach nothing but the best as he ventures into this next chapter, but I know he will always be a part of Geneseo Softball. And remember-always have low, cuttable throws!"
Danni Napoli '19 - "After moving on from college softball and into the real world, I can't over-emphasize how impactful and valuable it was to have been coached by Dave and his team. Dave is the kind of coach who will guide and support you in any way he possibly can to achieve your goals, while also letting you make your own choices as to what those goals should be. He keeps it real and doesn't sugar coat things. Being on his team means that he's gonna show up for you, whether you're struggling in school and need a tutor or time away from practice, or you're struggling on the field and need guidance and reassurance, or even if you're stranded in the stadium parking lot after an away trip and need someone to come jump started your car, Dave will be there.
All that being said, I think the best thing I've taken away from being coached by Dave is that you can be successful in what you're doing, and also have a lot of fun with it. Coach Dave's success speaks for itself by taking a quick look at Geneseo's record and accomplishments under his tenure, but value of the culture created by him and his staff really can't be measured."
Leah VanDerwarker '23 - "A knowledgeable and passionate leader, he transformed the softball program and shaped generations of athletes with wisdom, passion and integrity. His coaching went beyond the field instilling character and resilience into his players as well as creating a memorable culture that will continue for years to come. Coach Sylvester showed us what it truly means to be a Geneseo Knight."
Tara Brochu '25 - "Coach Sylvester's retirement marks the end of an incredible chapter, not just for our program, but for all of us who had the privilege to play for him. His unwavering support pushed me to grow not only as an athlete, but as a person. I'll always be grateful for the way he saw my potential and constantly encouraged me to reach it, and for the legacy of dedication and integrity he leaves behind at Geneseo."
Kaitlyn Schmitz '25 - "Coach is the heart and soul of Geneseo Softball. He is the reason that so many girls choose Geneseo to play. Personally, if it wasn't for him, I never would have played in college. I can confidently say that he is one of a few people in my life that have truly shaped me into who I am, and for that I will be forever grateful. The culture that he created in the program will be everlasting and without him, the program would not be as we know it today. His dedication and love for the sport, program, and every individual that walks in the door has him leaving a long-lasting impact on the program. I can confidently say that he is the best coach I've ever had and I wouldn't be the person I am today without him."
ABOUT THE EMPIRE 8 CONFERENCE
The members of the Empire 8 Conference are committed first and foremost to the pursuit of academic excellence and the league is regarded as an outstanding NCAA Division III conference. The membership has distinguished itself among its peer group for its quality institutions, spirited and sportsmanlike competition, outstanding services and highly ethical policies and practices. Its commitment to serve the educational needs of its student-athletes is the hallmark of the E8. For more on the Empire 8 visit
www.empire8.com.
EMPIRE 8 SOCIAL MEDIA
YouTube –
Facebook –
Twitter –
Instagram