Rice out as Rebellion manager
The Pennsylvania Rebellion softball team is in the market for a manager.
Stacey Rice, who was hired as the head coach for Slippery Rock University’s softball team four months ago, will not return for the 2015 season. Rice’s one-season contract with the National Pro Fastpitch league team ended at the end of September.
“I still haven’t heard from them,” said the 28-year-old Rice. “I e-mailed a thank you. I think there was just an understanding. (Owner Stu Williams) thanked us for what we were doing when we were down in Alabama (for the NPF tournament).”
Rice said she did not have an exit interview.
“I understand they are very busy right now with the Wild Things,” she said. “It’s OK. It doesn’t hurt my feelings.”
Williams and Steve Zavacky, assistant general manager of the Rebellion, was unavailable for comment.
Rice was originally hired as an assistant coach but took over the team when Rick Bertagnolli left after 12 games. The other assistant coach, Stephani Moore, had her duties expanded at that time. Moore is not expected to return next season.
Bertagnolli, who also is the head coach of the California University softball team, left the team June 16 after the Rebellion began their inaugural season in the NPF with a 2-10 record. Rice took over and led the team to seven more wins and a 9-41 record, including the postseason tournament.
“The experience was unlike any other I’ve had,” said Rice. “I am reaping a lot of benefits from it.”
Including gaining an assistant coach for The Rock in Ashley Carter, who was a reserve outfielder for the Rebellion. Rice said Carter plans on returning to the Rebellion.
“The things I learned managing this team were invaluable,” Rice said. “Things like calling plays and pitches, and being on the third base side of it were invaluable, too. I was really happy to be able to work for the Rebellion, even with the coaching change, because I never would have had those opportunities.”
Rice just finished up the fall season at Slippery Rock and will be in the opposite dugout of Bertagnolli when the two teams play next spring in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference.
“The team looks awesome,” she said. We have an experienced offense and defense and a young battery and pitching staff.”
Moore spent six seasons as head coach of Washington & Jefferson College’s softball team and seven seasons at Cal as Bertagnolli’s assistant. Moore handled the pitching staff for the Rebellion and Rice the position players.