Aug. 10, 2004

Garden City, N.Y. - Adelphi University Head Softball Coach Kate Whalen will be one of eight members inducted into the Connecticut Scholastic and Collegiate Softball Hall of Fame on Thursday, August 26 in Southington, CT. "I was rather shocked and excited when I received the call, said Whalen. "To be included with inductees, both past and present, who are such outstanding athletes is truly an honor." Whalen, a 1983 Cheshire graduate, went on to letter in three sports at the University of New Haven (softball, volleyball and tennis). She recently completed her tenth season at Adelphi where she has compiled a record of 279-202-1, winning 30 or more games five times and guiding the team to a pair of Division II NCAA Tournament appearances. Whalen also serves as an Assistant Athletic Director and Senior Women's Administrator, which includes making sure the University is compliant with issues regarding Title IX and student-athlete well-being. Other inductees include high school coach Cyndie Adamski of Brookfield, college coach Joe Musante of the University of New Haven, high school Tammy (Wentz) Parrilla of Stonington, college players Pat Conlan of UConn and Jill Tomasello of Quinnipiac University, umpire Ed McCarthy of East Hartford and honorary inductee Pat Patusky of Stratford. The Southington High School softball team, the Class LL champion which achieved the No. 1 ranking the state's coaches' and writers' poll, will also be honored at the banquet. Former Adelphi athletes who are also members of the Connecticut Softball Hall of Fame include Doreen (Lumbra) Clifford, Julie Bolduc and Kristen Petersen. The dinner is being held at the Aqua Turf Club. Tickets are $40 and are available by calling (203) 878-3363 prior to August 15.