LATROBE, Pa. (Oct. 29) – After 20 seasons at the helm of the Saint Vincent College softball program, Nicole (Hinerman) Karr has been promoted into a full-time administrative role within the Saint Vincent College Department of Athletics, as announced by Athletic Director D.P. Harris.

The winningest coach and one of the most accomplished student-athletes in Saint Vincent softball history, she will assume the position of Associate Athletics Director while continuing to serve in her recently appointed role of Senior Women's Administrator (SWA) and add Director of Compliance to her responsibilities.

A 2004 Saint Vincent graduate and 2019 inductee into the Saint Vincent College Athletic Hall of Fame, Karr has been a cornerstone of the Bearcat softball program for more than two decades, first as a standout student-athlete and later as the most successful head coach in program history.

"Nicole has meant so much to Saint Vincent College and our athletic department, both as a student-athlete and as a coach," said Harris. "What she has accomplished with our softball program over the last 20 years is nothing short of remarkable. She has built a program that has consistently competed for conference championships while making a lasting impact on countless student-athletes along the way. While we will certainly miss her leadership on the softball field, we are extremely fortunate to have someone with her experience, dedication and passion for Saint Vincent continuing to serve our department in an expanded administrative capacity. I am excited for what Nicole will bring to our leadership team as we continue moving Saint Vincent Athletics forward."

During her 20 seasons at the helm, Karr amassed a program-record 378 victories, guiding the Bearcats to two Presidents' Athletic Conference (PAC) championships, two NCAA Division III National Tournament appearances and nine PAC Championship Tournament berths. She was twice named PAC Coach of the Year, earning the honor in both 2016 and 2019.
Under her leadership, Saint Vincent finished with a .500 record or better in 16 of her 20 seasons, while reaching the 20-win plateau 11 times. Her student-athletes earned a combined 88 All-PAC accolades during her tenure.

Among the many highlights of Karr's coaching career were the Bearcats' conference championship seasons in 2016 and 2019. In 2016, Saint Vincent captured its first PAC Tournament championship and earned its first NCAA Division III Tournament berth, highlighted by a 2-0 upset victory over No. 1-ranked Virginia Wesleyan in the opening round. Three years later, Karr guided Saint Vincent to its second conference championship and another appearance in the NCAA Division III Tournament.

""I want to thank Fr. Paul, Dr. Mallory and D.P. Harris for their confidence in me and for providing me with this opportunity. Stepping away from coaching was not an easy decision after so many memorable and rewarding years.," Karr said. "I'm especially grateful to all of my former and current players, who made my coaching career so successful and enjoyable. I also want to express my heartfelt appreciation to my father, Rich, who has served alongside me as my assistant coach for the past 20 years. His countless hours of dedication, unwavering support and commitment to our program have meant more to me than words can express. The relationships and memories we've built together are something I'll always cherish.
 
"As a graduate of Saint Vincent and someone who has spent my entire professional career here, I'm proud to have the opportunity to take on a leadership role in an athletics department that has meant so much to me. I look forward to working alongside D.P. and my colleagues in the department, supporting our student-athletes and continuing to serve the College as a whole."
 
Karr's success at Saint Vincent began long before her coaching career. As a student-athlete, she established herself as one of the most dominant players in program history. During her senior season in 2004, the standout third baseman led the American Mideast Conference in numerous offensive categories, including batting average (.538), slugging percentage (.925) and on-base percentage (.582). She also recorded 21 doubles and 27 RBIs during her final collegiate campaign.

Her remarkable contributions to Saint Vincent Athletics, both as a player and coach, earned her induction into the College's Athletic Hall of Fame in 2019. In 2023, she was also recognized as one of the 40 most influential women in Saint Vincent College history as part of the College's 40 Forward initiative.

In addition to her coaching responsibilities, Karr has served as Assistant Athletic Director for Facilities and Internal Operations since the summer of 2023, playing an important role in the day-to-day operations of the athletic department. Her recent promotion to Senior Woman Administrator further expanded her leadership responsibilities within Saint Vincent Athletics.
In her full-time administrative capacity, Karr will continue to oversee and support the department's facilities and internal operations, while taking on an expanded leadership role in the overall administration of Saint Vincent Athletics.

A native of Greensburg, Pennsylvania, Karr graduated with honors from Saint Vincent in 2004 with a degree in psychology education. She was also the recipient of the E. Albert DeLuca Award, presented to an outstanding senior student-athlete who demonstrates responsible and dependable leadership throughout their collegiate career. She later earned her Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction from Saint Vincent in 2013.
While her tenure as head softball coach comes to a close, Karr's transition marks the beginning of a new chapter in her longstanding commitment to Saint Vincent College Athletics, where she will continue to make an impact on Bearcat student-athletes and the department as a whole.
 
Saint Vincent College will now begin a nationwide search to fill the head softball coach position.