New Cedar Grove Softball Coach 'Expects the Best' From her Players

The Cedar Grove girls’ softball team has been through a lot in the past nine months. For new head coach Dena Tauriello, replacing the highly regarded former coach, Robert Stern, comes with huge expectations and challenges.

The Panthers’ decision to move on from Stern after 16 years and their first Essex County Tournament title in 26 years came as a shock to many in the township. The entire team and more than a hundred residents packed Board of Education meetings to express their desire to retain their longtime skipper, but were ultimately denied as the board and administration decided that Tauriello would be selected to continue their storied history of success.

“I know it’s a transition and I’m not forcing my way in here. I’m easing in and I know it will take time,” said Dena Tauriello. “I just want to make sure we can be competitive and play well.”

Tauriello's resume speaks for itself.

Beginning as an assistant coach at Seton Hall, Tauriello rose to the head coach level and held that position for three years. She followed her time there with coaching gigs at St. Peter’s and a few high schools in Morris and Essex counties.

She settled in to a role as a hitting instructor while she pursued her other interests, including music.

Tauriello’s talents on the field are only matched by her skill on the drum kit. In 1998 she joined Antigone Rising and in 2003 the band signed with Lava Records. The all-female rock band has released several albums and toured with musical giants Aerosmith, The Rolling Stones, Joan Jett, Rob Thomas and The Allman Brothers Band.

Tauriello’s role as a teacher also led her to drum instructing. It was a natural fit for her to become a head coach again.

So how does a college background translate on the high school level? 

"There are a lot of similarities. The game is the same, but obviously college-level athletes will be more seasoned. It's a little more basic at this level.

However I still expect the best out of my players," said Tauriello.

In their final practice before the regular season, Tauriello's commitment didn't change. She took time out to focus on the fundamentals of hitting with some while she had others work through the steps of fielding in another group.

"We don't have any breaks in our schedule. We need to go out there and play the way we are capable of. We'd like to begin with a win, but we need to focus on playing a strong game," said Tauriello.

Tauriello's debut on Friday won't be the only one. Their new home-field Panthers Park is set to host their first home game in defense of their title against rival school Mount St. Dominic. 

In Tauriello, some of the Panthers will be able to go to her for advice on what it will take them to play at the collegiate level. Tauriello was a four-year starter at Penn State University where she played third base and built a career by playing the game the right way.

Her sense of fundamentals will be one of the marks she wants to leave on her group while searching for consistency on their way to another highly successful season. Success that could soothe the loss of their former head coach.