Jan. 2, 2007

PHILADELPHIA - The Temple University community mourns the passing of former softball coach Rocci Pignoli. Pignoli passed away Monday evening at the age of 60.

Pignoli, having served eight years as the Cherry and White skipper, ranked second all-time with 175 wins. In tallying a 75-53 Atlantic 10 mark, he guided five teams to the conference's postseason tournament. The 2004 season was Pignoli's most successful as the Cherry and White mentor as he guided Temple to a 30-18 overall record, an Atlantic 10 conference championship and an appearance in the NCAA tournament.

Under Pignoli's tutelage, the Owls enjoyed five all-conference performers including the 2004 Pitcher of the Year, Kim Watkins, and the 2002 Rookie of the Year, Aida Esquer. Additionally, four Temple players received all-region recognition, nine were named to the conference's all-tournament team and four were honored as academic all-conference honorees with Pignoli at the helm. Before assuming the head coaching responsibilities in 1998, Pignoli served as an assistant coach from 1995-97 under head coach Carol Kashow.

Prior to his arrival at Temple, Pignoli enjoyed 26 years of coaching softball at the high school and league levels. Most notably, he guided Conestoga High School, in Berwyn, Pa., to a 44-5 record and two Central League Championships in 1993 and 1994.

Arrangements for Coach Pignoli's burial have yet to be finalized.