Oct. 4, 2004

Fairfax, Va.--Joseph Verbanic has been hired as George Mason University's new softball head coach effective immediately as announced by Tom O'Connor, Assistant Vice President/Director of Athletics.

Verbanic brings with him more than 20 years combined coaching experience at both the collegiate and high school levels. Most recently, Verbanic was at Alta Vista High School (1986-2004) where he taught several courses, including physical education, weights & fitness training and Life Skills.

From 1998-2003, Verbanic served as an assistant coach at San Diego State University (1998-2003), where he played a lead role in recruiting. During his stint with SDSU, the Aztecs were Mountain West Conference Champions two years (2002 & 2003) and were also participants in the NCAA Division I Regional twice (2001 & 2003). In addition, Verbanic coordinated field maintenance and participated in the new field/stadium planning and development efforts while with the Aztecs. Prior to SDSU, Verbanic served as an assistant coach at Palomar Community College in San Marcos, Calif. (1994-98).

Verbanic was also the head coach of the `California Players' women's major team that finished third at the ASA Open Nationals in 1998, as well as the `Elite' team in 1993 which was the ASA Southern California State Champions.

Verbanic played baseball and was a graduate assistant at SDSU (1977-82) where he received his bachelor's degree in business administration and went on to earn his teaching credential for business education in 1984. Most recently, Verbanic received his Master's in physical education from Azusa Pacific University in 2004.

In addition, Verbanic played fast-pitch softball from 1982-1994 with the Vista Bombers who placed second at the ASA "A" Nationals in 1991, he participated in the ISC World Tournamennt as his team qualified from 1989-94 and Verbanic also played catcher with the Western Softball Congress All-Star team for multiple years.