Currently: 57°F
Marauder alum returns to lead Women’s Soccer
Millersville women’s soccer has a new leader, and it is a familiar face for Marauder soccer fans. Matt Procopio ’09, a men’s soccer great, also served as assistant coach for the women’s program in 2012-13.
In his first stint at Millersville, Procopio built a reputation as a tireless recruiter while running highly successful summer camps and clinics. His influence was integral in the development of the players, and he made an immediate impact on the program. With Procopio on staff, the team posted its best season in six years and made another leap forward by garnering a national ranking in 2013. Many of the players that he recruited were the catalyst to a 9-6-2 record in 2014, which was the program’s best record in more than a decade.
“Millersville is the perfect fit for me,” said Procopio. “As an alum there is no better way to give back to a university that has given me so much. I love the University, location, administration, coaches and most importantly the women in this program.”
After elevating the Marauders to new heights, Procopio landed a role as the men’s soccer assistant coach at Tiffin University. Procopio helped guide the Dragons to a 12-5-1 record, GLIAC Championship and NCAA regional appearance. He was a Marauder under Coach Steve Widdowson from 2005-08 and played a prominent role in the Marauders’ rise to PSAC power. He started 53 of 63 games as a defender and served as the co-captain of the 2008 club that set a school record with 18 wins, won a PSAC East Championship and NCAA Atlantic Regional Championship. His team climbed to No. 6 in the national rankings. Procopio was a two-time All-PSAC East and an All-Atlantic Region selection by NSCAA/Adidas and Daktronics. He garnered All-America honorable mention status as a senior.
“The Millersville women’s soccer program will be built on organization, communication, discipline and hard work,” said Procopio. “I am looking forward to building a program that will not only compete in the PSAC, but on a NCAA regional and national level.”
Miller and McDade star against nation’s best
In a league that features the best-of- the-best Division I baseball players and professional scouts filling the stands, Millersville’s Brandon Miller and Jim McDade more than proved they belonged. The Marauder duo took to the Cape Cod League—the nation’s premier collegiate summer league—and established themselves as pro prospects in 2016. 
Miller, with a 4-0 record, 1.50 ERA and 27 strikeouts to just one walk, was so impressive that he earned the team’s Willard Nichols Most Outstanding Player Award, which is given to the person who selflessly volunteers hours of his time to maintain the franchise when it is needed most. He was the only Division II player in the league to play in the Cape Cod League All-Star Game, and he even pitched two scoreless innings in that game.
McDade entered the league on a temporary contract and impressed in four outings, giving up only three hits and one walk over seven innings.
“It is a lot of fun being [playing against the best],” said McDade. “It gives us a lot of confidence, having the same success as the D1 guys. This has shown us that we can pitch and be successful against the best in the country.”
Probst brings energy and winning reputation to softball program
Jennifer Probst, a two-time MAC Freedom Coach of the Year, was named the softball program’s head coach, bringing a championship-winning resume and link to the PSAC as a pitcher and graduate of Bloomsburg.
Probst started her head coaching career at Misericordia in 2010 and compiled a 150-109 (.580) record, with a MAC Freedom Championship in 2012. Her teams totaled three MAC Freedom championship game appearances and postseason berths in five of six seasons. Probst’s teams were remarkably consistent, winning between 25 and 28 games five times. The 2012 club reached the NCAA Tournament. Probst was voted the MAC Freedom Coach of the Year in 2010 and 2012.
“There is a lot of potential within the current program, and I am looking forward to getting to know the student-athletes,” said Probst. “I’m also excited to get started recruiting, adding great talent to build a foundation for the future of the program.” 
Her teams’ successes have been built on strong pitching staffs and lineups that get on base and hit home runs. Misericordia ranked in the top three of the MAC Freedom in team ERA in each of her six seasons, and led the league with a 3.19 mark in 2015. Twice her team led the league in home runs, and it hit 38 in 45 games in 2015. Probst coached 23 All-MAC Freedom players, including four first-team pitchers, a pitcher of the year and rookie of the year award winner. Additionally, her players accounted for 50 National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) All-Academic awards. Her team’s GPA has remained over 3.4 for six consecutive seasons.
Pucillo Gym gets new playing surface
The hardwood of Pucillo Gymnasium has hosted thousands of games, and millions of feet have run and jumped on it since its installation in 1969. This summer, after 46 years, the floor was replaced.
Tear-out of the existing floor began in July and was completed just in time for the start of the volleyball season in September. The overhaul included installation of the new floor and paint with a fresh design featuring the recently unveiled Ville mark at center court. West Chester-based company Miller Flooring handled the project and has worked with the United States Naval Academy, Villanova University, the University of Delaware and Penn State, as well as numerous area high schools. The floor, an Aacer PowerLoc System, has improved shock absorption, providing a better experience and decreased wear and tear for Millersville and other PASSHE student-athletes.
In addition to the new playing surface, the walls, doors and trim of the gym received fresh paint. The wrestling, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, volleyball and soccer team locker rooms also received a facelift. New lockers were installed, shower and wall tile was upgraded, and ceiling tiles and light fixtures were replaced.
