Aug. 7, 2007

LANCASTER, Pa. - Franklin & Marshall College has named Dr. Michael J. Cooperstein, D.M.D., of Broomall, Pa., its head softball coach. He assumes the post from Ann Goropoulos, who stepped down following the 2007 season.

"Michael is a natural fit for Franklin & Marshall," said Director of Athletics, Patricia S.W. Epps. "His obvious passion for the game and commitment to developing well-rounded individuals will cast the perfect die for the future of the softball program."

Cooperstein brings nearly two decades of coaching experience to Lancaster. On the collegiate level, Cooperstein spent five seasons (2001-2006) as an assistant at Saint Joseph's University. Two of those seasons were spent as the bench coach and hitting instructor, while the other three were spent overseeing the squad's pitchers and infielders.

With his help, the Hawks battled their way into the Atlantic 10 Conference playoffs four times. The 2004 squad finished second in the Atlantic 10, snapping the University of Massachusetts' 73-game, home-winning streak in the process. That team was the first Saint Joseph's squad to play for an A10 championship. Three of Cooperstein's players earned Academic All-America honors.

In 2007, Cooperstein left the world of college softball to take an assistant coach position at Archbishop Carroll High School in Radnor, Pa. Franklin & Marshall will be his first collegiate head coaching position.

"I was attracted to the Division III philosophy that F&M represents so well," said Cooperstein, whose oldest daughter, Jamie, played Division III softball at the College of New Jersey. "Players play for the love of the game, and that's what it should be about."

In addition to coaching in academic settings, Cooperstein has extensive experience coaching on the club circuit. From 1988 through 1996, he was the head coach of the Newtown Square Rebels (ASA Girls Fastpitch), and served on the Board of Directors. He is a member of the Newtown Square Softball Hall of Fame.

From 1996 until signing on at Saint Joseph's, he served as both head and assistant coach for the Pegasus ASA Girls Fastpitch squad, taking the team to three National Championship Tournaments and a pair of Colorado Fireworks Tournaments. In that capacity, he assisted his players in being recruited by colleges and universities. All of his players went on to play in the collegiate ranks.

Cooperstein is a dentist by trade, operating in a group practice for the past 26 years.

"My staff are my greatest allies in coaching," said Cooperstein. "They make sure my patients are cared for during the season so I can focus on softball."