After serving as the Drew assistant coach in the spring of 2011, Labate was named the Interim Head Coach of the Drew softball program for the 2012 season and officially named the Head Coach for the 2013 season.
As an assistant she played a pivotal role in the recruitment and the day-to-day operation of the softball program. In her first season as head coach she led the Rangers to 16 wins, the most since 2008.
Her team produced the program’s first “Strikeout Cancer” event prior to a doubleheader against Stevens on April 3rd. The initiative, in conjunction with the National Fastpitch Coaches Association and the American Cancer Society, raised both funds and awareness to fight cancer.
Labate was a four-year starter at shortstop and graduate of Rutgers-Newark University. While with the Scarlet Raiders, she led her team in doubles and triples during the 2007 season. She was named captain of the 2008 squad and led her team in RBIs. Prior to graduation, Labate was selected to participate in the 2008 International Sports Tours. One of the top college softball players nationwide, she represented America and competed against international teams in Prague, Czech Republic.
Before joining the Rangers, Labate was the Head Coach at Florence M. Gaudineer Middle School for the 2010 season. Off the field, she has been involved in community events such as the Rutgers Athletic Department Food Drive and helped raise money for cystic fibrosis with the Sussex Skyhawks.
Labate currently resides in Bloomfield, N.J.
