Beloved RCSJ–Gloucester Softball Coach Honored at Retirement Ceremony

Deptford Twp. – On a beautiful, sunny spring day in April, Rowan College of South Jersey (RCSJ) honored Roadrunner softball head coach, Steve DePasquale, who is retiring after 32 years, when this season is over. The College celebrated DePasquale's legacy and tremendous contributions to its student-athletes with a special, on-field presentation just before the Roadrunners' final home game of the regular season.

Several of DePasquale's family members – including his wife and three children, along with dozens of his former players were on hand to show love and gratitude to the soon-to-be retired coach. Local government officials, RCSJ staff, and students were also in attendance.

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“I'm incredibly thankful for all they're doing for me today," he said. “It's an exciting moment."

Danielle Jacobson, DePasquale's daughter – who played for him in the late aughts and was one of 32 All-Americans he coached – was amazed by the abundance of support for her father.

“I'm so proud of everything he's built here, the whole organization. I'm so happy to have been a part of it," said Jacobson, who played shortstop for the Roadrunners. “It says a lot, all the people [who] came back to see him and always talk about him as being the G.O.A.T.

“Everyone just loves him and it's awesome."

DePasquale, who was a culinary teacher at Gloucester County Institute of Technology (GCIT) for 38 years, became RCSJ–Gloucester's first softball coach in 1995. He has amassed “more than 900 career wins, two NJCAA DIII National Championships, eight Region XIX titles, and a legion of exceptional players who have proudly represented Roadrunner softball on a national level."

Gus Ostrum, technician athletics operations, RCSJ, started off the festivities by bringing awareness to DePasquale's influence on the College.

“We are paying tribute today to one of the nation's very best softball coaches," Ostrum said. “Over more than three decades he has built the program into one that's been defined by sustained excellence, competitive success, and a deep commitment to student athlete development.

“His tenure represents not only longevity, but a standard of consistency and integrity that reflect the very mission of Rowan College of South Jersey."

DePasquale receives commendations

New Jersey Assemblywoman Heather Simmons and Gloucester County Board of Commissioner Deputy Director Jim Jefferson presented DePasquale with a couple of commendations during the ceremony.

“I'm honored to be here today on behalf of the 3rd Legislative District," Simmons said. “I, Senator John Burzichelli, and Assemblyman Dave Bailey, present you with the Joint Legislative Commendation. This means that the three of us, on behalf of the entire legislature of the State of New Jersey, have put a lot of whereas' and whatfors commemorating your 30 years of service and the legacy you have built.

“What this means is that you and this program and all of your current and former players are now emblazoned into the official history of the State of New Jersey. Everything that you've accomplished, the history … and the foundation that you've built for the future success of this organization is part of the history of the State of New Jersey. Congratulations!"

Jefferson got the crowd hype with jokes and sentimental statements during his presentation.

“You're easily the best coach that we've had in program history – easily," Jefferson said, inducing laughter from the crowd. “The best part about coach's resume is the impact he's had on people's lives. You are a Hall of Famer in every sense of the word. You've taken this position and you found a way to build a program that is built on love, support, and respect.

“On behalf of the entire board of commissioners, it is my honor to recognize you today. Congratulations."

The College gifted DePasquale a white, wooden lounge chair with the name Coach D and the Roadrunner insignia painted on it. Brian Rowan, executive director of Athletics, RCSJ–Gloucester, said the present was a one-of-a-kind item for a person who is one of one.

"Steve has truly been an outstanding leader on our campus and in our program," said Rowan, in an interview earlier this year. "His records and championships speak for themselves but beyond that he has had a massive impact on all of us by showing what a Roadrunner program can be and how to run a first-class program.

“All of us here are better for having been able to work with him."

Impact on alumni

The immense impact DePasquale had on the school and his players was a hot topic of discussion at the festivities.

“The difference that he's made here goes way above wins and losses," said Dr. Brenden Rickards, president, RCSJ. Over the years, he's adapted to the students' needs and made sure they were successful on the field, but most importantly, he provided the tools they needed to be successful in the classroom and in life.

“I am heartbroken as an administrator, but we're so happy for him as a friend and colleague," said Dr. Leanne Schoening, assistant director of Athletics, RCSJ–Gloucester. “I feel like he has touched so many that everyone thinks coach changed their lives. They say people are put on your path for a reason and I think he was one of those for me."

“I'm excited for him to have his weekends off and I hope he learns how to relax," Schoening, who played first base for DePasquale at the College during the 2003 and 2004 seasons, added with a laugh.

Lauren Vilimas was another former Roadrunner at the ceremony. She played first base on RCSJ–Gloucester's first NJCAA DIII National Championship team in 2011.

“He instilled a lot of lessons for all of us," Vilimas, director of Pensions and Benefits at RCSJ, said. “Being on time, being a team player, working well with others, and not to dwell on the past too much. Just learn from it.

“Even though we only spent two years together, I take the lessons that I've learned from him since then to heart."

DePasquale, who emanates an aura of humility when he speaks, highlighted two of the many things that stood out to him while coaching Roadrunner softball.

“Probably my favorite part has been seeing the success of student athletes who sometimes didn't think they were going to succeed," he said.

And the other?

“I have a picture in my office of a magazine from when we won the national championship. One of the coolest things was standing at the edge of the dugout and watching the circle of girls together as a team. I was watching it, not running around crazy, just taking it all in," the coach recalled, with a smile.

Coach D's Legacy

DePasquale's current players adore and respect him just as much as his former players.

“I'm so grateful that I got to have him [as my coach] these two years," said Angelina Linder, sophomore Physical Education major and shortstop for the Roadrunners. “I'm just so happy for him that he's had such a great career and that he gets to retire and go spend time with his grandkids. So, as much as I'm going to miss him out here, I'm just happy for him."

“He's had so many wins, and he's helped so many girls become the players that they are and continue to be," said Siena Walterson, sophomore Psychology major, first basewoman and DP for RCSJ–Gloucester. “I've grown so much being here the last year and a half. I got the pleasure of working with him this year through [RCSJ]. So even off the field, he's helped me so much. He's just a great guy."

Ella Crosby, sophomore Health Science major, RCSJ said: “Coach D has honestly always believed in me, everyone on this team. His selflessness has pushed everyone beyond what they thought their extent was. Everything he's done for us, I'm so grateful for. I can't even put into words the gratefulness I have for him."

This season, the Roadrunners are 34-6 and ranked #4 in the nation. The players all agreed that DePasquale will leave an “awesome" legacy at RCSJ after he retires.

“I think Coach D has left a remarkable imprint on all of the girls here and really pushed all the girls [to be great]," said Crosby, who plays second base. “He deserves every bit of praise that he's had today. He's an incredible coach."

DePasquale expressed his personal thoughts about what he hoped he'd leave behind.

“I hope the legacy I leave is character, hard work, and dedication," he said. “I always gave back to the program to make it better, and that's all I'd look for."

When asked about his family support throughout his life and coaching career, DePasquale became a bit emotional.

“Let me take a second," he said, while collecting himself. “You know what? Nonstop supporting me, coming out to watch games when they can get to them. Now, it's my turn to turn that back and get out there to see those grandchildren [who play softball, basketball, and baseball] play."

In addition to watching his grandchildren play sports during retirement, DePasquale also hopes, “Brian [Rowan] lets me stay around and help with some of the field stuff and little things to do with the college." He said he'll stay out of the next softball coach's way, “unless they need any advice."

DePasquale shared one final reflection on his special day before going to coach the Roadrunners to a doubleheader sweep against Bergen Community College.

“One of the things I would say is just how blessed I've been from my career to my softball career, to my family, to these folks coming out and doing this for me," DePasquale said. “That's just a blessing you don't even think about when you first start."

For information about Rowan College of South Jersey's Athletics programs, visit RCSJ.edu/Athletics. ​