ELLENSBURG, Wash. – Central Washington University Director of Athletics Dr. Dennis Francois announced today that Head Softball Coach Joe DiPietro will not be retained after the current academic year.
 
Coach DiPietro took the helm of the Wildcats' softball program in November 2021, succeeding Alison Mitchell, who departed to become an Assistant Coach at the University of Montana. Before arriving at CWU, DiPietro brought experience from coaching roles at Incarnate Word, Hampton, Temple, and La Salle. During his tenure at Central, the Wildcats posted an overall record of 64-116, including a 35-61 mark in GNAC play. In 2024, CWU finished fourth in the GNAC standings with a 12-12 conference record, helping the program to its second GNAC Championship appearance under DiPietro's leadership.
 
Under DiPietro's leadership, the Wildcats produced 11 All-GNAC selections, including four First Team honorees as well as eight GNAC Players of the Week. Academically, 53 Wildcats earned GNAC All-Academic recognition, with Isabel Womack leading the conference in 2023 with a perfect 4.0 GPA. CWU consistently ranked among the top two teams in the GNAC for team GPA, leading the league in 2022 and 2023 with marks of 3.76 and 3.54, and finishing second in 2024 with a 3.58 GPA, respectfully. Additionally, 14 Wildcats were named NFCA/Easton All-American Scholar-Athletes in 2024.
 
"After a careful review of our softball program under Coach DiPietro's leadership, I came to the conclusion that it was time for a new voice," said Francois. "I want to thank Joe for his efforts over the past four seasons and I wish him the very best in the future."
 
Francois stated that a national search will be launched immediately to find DiPietro's replacement.