SALEM, Mass. – Salem State athletic director Nicolle Wood has announced the hiring of Isabella Russo, as the new head coach of the women's softball program.

"We are excited to welcome coach Russo to our staff and Viking community," said Wood. "Her experience as a student-athlete and assistant coach at very competitive D3 programs and her commitment to student development has prepared her for this next step. We look forward to seeing her lead our softball program and student-athletes this spring."     

Russo most recently served as the assistant softball coach at perennial conference finalist Johnson and Wales University, where she worked under head coach Kim Camara-Harvey. She arrived at JWU after a successful career as a student-athlete and four year player at the University of St. Joseph's. Russo played in 140 games for the Blue Jays, and was a team captain, earning a Bachelor of Arts. She completed her MEd in Higher Ed from Suffolk University and has held various positions in student affairs at UMass Boston, Suffolk University, Emmanual and Dean College.