News Article

Familiar Face, Champion Coach Hired for Softball Team

Jun 12, 2014

In the softball world, mention the name Robert Iamurri and there’s instant recognition of a proven coach who consistently takes teams to state championships. Starting July 16, Iamurri officially takes the helm as the head softball coach for the Florida SouthWestern State College Buccaneers.

“In our search for a head softball coach, we received over 130 applications from around the country. Robert’s track record as a coach, a mentor and a contributor to this community really made an immediate and positive impression on us,” said Carl McAloose, Director, Intercollegiate Athletics, Florida SouthWestern State College. “He seemed to be a natural fit for what we want to establish as far as a solid program that produces not only well-rounded students, but also solid athletes.”

Iamurri has a long-standing connection in Southwest Florida, which includes earning his Associate in Arts degree from Edison Community College. He was the head softball coach for Naples High School from 1986-2014.

“This is a tremendous opportunity to not only stay in Southwest Florida, but also to take on the challenge of college-level competition,” said Iamurri. “For me this is truly a dream come true.”

“He is a great coach and taught me a lot. I know he’ll do wonderful things for the (FSW) program,” said Jaclyn Traina, who pitched for him at Naples High School and just played in the championship game of the Women’s College World Series for the University of Alabama. “He has so much to give to the program and to the area.”

Michelle Frew, the head softball coach at Rollins College and the former head softball coach for Edison Community College from 1992-1995, said the move to college competition was not unexpected.

“I think a lot of us were wondering when he would make the leap to the college level,” she said. “He is a legend in high school competition and I know he won’t have any trouble getting really good talent for his team. I’m glad I don’t have to recruit against him. All I can say is that other colleges better look out, and I hope he’ll send me some good players.”

“He really is the perfect choice for (FSW’s) new program,” said Pat Murphy, head softball coach, University of Alabama. “He has won many, many championships; he can teach pitchers, hitters and defense. FSW really made a good choice in selecting him as their coach. I hope he’ll send me some players.”

Iamurri and his Buccaneers team will call the City of Palms Park home for their games, starting in the Fall 2015, followed by the start of the regular season in the Spring 2016.

About Robert Iamurri:

He has earned numerous accolades as a coach and community leader, including:

• State leader for most wins (817)
• State leader for most tournament games played (87)
• State leader for most tournament wins (73)
• State leader for most fast pitch playoff appearances (25)
• State leader for most fast pitch state championships (10)
• Florida Athletic Coaches Association (FACA) district chairman, 15 years
• FACA Hall of Fame Inductee, 2009
• National High School Coaches Association, National Coach of the Year, 2010
• Florida High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame Inductee, 2010
• Outstanding Citizen of Naples, Lifetime Achievement, 2012
• Naples Daily News Coach of the Year multiple times

Last Updated: June 12, 2014