MADISON, N.J. (August 22, 2012) – After spending one year as an assistant and serving as the 2012 interim head coach, Charlotte Labate was officially named the head softball coach at Drew University today.

“Charlotte has already been a valued member of our staff, serving as an assistant coach and interim head coach,” said Athletics Director Jason Fein. “Her ability to recruit and motivate our student-athletes made her the perfect choice to assume full-time head coaching responsibilities. We're looking forward to continued success under tenure.”

Labate led the Rangers to 16 wins in 2012, the most since 2008, with a roster containing nine freshmen. Within the Landmark Conference, the Rangers finished in fifth place, coming up two games short of a playoff spot.

“I am very thankful for all the support I received from both the staff and community during this process,” said Labate. “Having the opportunity to continue working with this program is exciting and I'm looking forward to seeing what we can accomplish in the future.”

Labate's sophomore second baseman, Lexie Forsell, was a First Team All-Conference selection, received an ECAC-Metro All-Star Team nod and was named to the NFCA All-Region second team after switching to positions in her second year on campus. Forsell became the second player in Drew history and the first since 2008 to garner all-region honors.


Off the field, Labate pioneered the first “Strikeout Cancer Game” to raise money and awareness for breast cancer on April 3, 2012. One of her two returners from a year ago earned a spot on the prestigious Landmark Conference All-Academic Team.

Labate, a graduate of Rutgers-Newark, was a four-year starter at shortstop for 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.