TERRE HAUTE, Ind. – Indiana State Director of Athletics Nathan Christensen announced head coach Mike Perniciaro will be stepping down from his role with the Sycamore softball team to pursue other professional opportunities.
 
Perniciaro, affectionately known as "Coach Pooch" to student-athletes and colleagues, wrapped up his seventh season at Indiana State following the 2024 season. The Sycamores posted a 20-30 overall record this past spring with an 8-16 mark in Missouri Valley play. The team was highlighted by senior second baseman Abi Chipps earning National Fastpitch Coaches Association Mideast All-Region Third Team honors, while three Sycamores earned All-MVC recognition.
 
"We appreciate everything Coach Perniciaro put into the softball program over his time at Indiana State," Christensen said. "The relationships he built in the community and his leadership with the program was greatly appreciated during his time with the Sycamores. We thank him and wish him and the entire Perniciaro family nothing but the best."
 
The Sycamores made a memorable run through the 2023 season on their way to setting new school records for overall wins (32) and conference wins (17). The season culminated in the return to the MVC Softball Tournament Championships game for the first time since 2015 in a thrilling postseason run.
 
"I am very thankful for my time at Indiana State and have enjoyed the process of making Sycamore softball develop and grow," Perniciaro said. "I appreciate how the Wabash Valley community embraced me and my family during our years here and special thanks to all the student-athletes I had the privilege of coaching at ISU for all of their hard work and commitment to the team."
 
A national search will be conducted for the next Indiana State softball head coach.
 
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